the roof above my head

EBUK - Earth Building UK Conference and AGM 2012, January 13th, York

2011-11-15T08:44:00.001Z

Earth Building UK Conference and AGM 2012, January 13^th, York.

The conference will explore the use of earth and clay plasters with leading experts. The use of earth and clay plasters has increased in recent years, with interest groups concerned with the conservation of historic buildings, ecologically sensitive new construction, alongside a growing interest from industry in innovative materials.

The conference is a brilliant opportunity to meet fellow EBUK member and exchange ideas.

Find out more on the website by following this link: http://www.ebuk.uk.com/index.php/?p=317

Conference Location: The Ron Cooke Hub at the University of York, Heslington, York. YO10 5GE. http://www.york.ac.uk/hub/facilities/

Conference fee: The conference fee for EBUK members is £42.00. This includes refreshments and lunch. If you are not already an EBUK member the conference fee is £63.00 (this includes a full year’s membership of EBUK).

Post conference tour: Saturday January 14^th 2012. A tour of York House, Malton to view the historic building and get an expert introduction to the earth mortars and plasters investigated and conserved in the recent conservation project. This tour will be with Nigel Copsey (Earth, Stone and Lime company) and Ben Gourley (University of York).

Showcasing your work: Space will be available for display of materials and products.If you offer services or products, the conference is a great place to showcase your work and support EBUK at the same time. You can promote your project or business at very reasonable rates throughout the conference. For example, for £160 you can put up a display next to the main conference room or for £60 put brochures into every delegate's conference pack. For more details about sponsorship email lu_ebuk@btinternet.com or telephone 01944 728441.

Students: Fancy a free conference? Load your images of earth buildings in the UK to our EBUK Flickr stream.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthbuildinguk/

The EBUK directors will decide on a winning image and the winning image will be announced on the day. We will reimburse the conference fees for one student. The winning image will be announced on the day.

Spread the word: Please spread the word of the Earth Building UK conference to your colleagues and friends – EBUK is a network fostering the understanding, appreciation and development of building with earth.

www.ebuk.uk.com

Rammed earth workshop in Oxford

2011-11-14T19:19:00.000Z

The images above were captured during a rammed earth workshop that took place at Oxford Brookes University last Friday. This workshop was organised by the OxArch Society who, once again, brought Rowland Keable (Ram Cast) to orient the works. Unfortunately this time I was unable to attend so I haven't seen the finished work yet. Will make sure to visit the site this week and take a few more pictures!

Oh, and remember the posts about the construction of the composting toilet? I never managed to post photos of the final stage of construction, but you can see it finished in the background of the first photo above. Doesn't it look great?

Back to the start

2011-11-04T10:06:00.000Z

Crazy Clown Time - David Lynch

2011-11-01T07:57:00.000Z

David Lynch, the genius behind Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive (one of my all time favourites!), The Straight Story (beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!) and other masterpieces, has got a new work coming out soon!

After filmmaking and visual arts, Lynch is now launching his first solo music project (Crazy Time Clown).

I have to say that, for me, this does not come as a big surprise. One just has to watch his films to understand how important music has always been in his career. His films would not be as interesting without that slightly crazy music in the background, that always seems to fit in so perfectly in the surrealist environments he creates. Just watch Mulholland Drive and you'll understand... Apart from that, Lynch has done musical collaborations before with other artists, most of them with wonderful results.

From what I have heard so far, I can only say that this album could only have been created within the depths of David Lynch's mind :) Play the video above and you'll see what I mean.

You can also check THIS WEBSITE to listen to another one of his musical projects, with a singer called Chrysta Bell. A bit different, but wonderful nevertheless.

The man is a genius and so good at everything he does... Unbelievable!

Crazy Time Clown will be available from November 7.

First images of Tim Burton's new film released !

2011-10-28T21:51:00.001+01:00

The first two images of the new project from director Tim Burton - the creator of "Edward Scissorhands" and "The Legend of the Headless Horseman" - were released this week on the internet, to the delight of millions of fans.

The new film is called "Frankenweenie" and is actually the 'remake' of a short film by Burton with the same name, but made in 1984. The short film, a parody of the Frankenstein story was produced for Disney - and resulted in Burton's being dismissed...

Lucky for us, Disney dismissed this 30 min film so much, that allowed it to be placed in full on YouTube!
(Part 1 below)

Photo gallery of beautiful Portuguese train stations

2011-10-28T11:16:00.001+01:00

Rossio train station, Lisbon

Complete photo gallery HERE

Fado for "Intangible Heritage of Humanity"

2011-10-28T11:03:00.000+01:00

According to PUBLICO, FADO music may be elected Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Fado, already considered worldwide as a symbol of Portuguese culture, is now amongst the seven favourites in the lot of 49 applications. The winner will be selected in a meeting of experts that will take place between 22 and 29 November in Bali.

The experts considered that FADO has "a kind of poetic and musical versatility" with "a strong sense of belonging and connection to Lisbon."

I could not agree more and, being a complete fado lover, I am very happy that FADO can be finally recognised for what it is!

For those of you who don't know that much about fado, below is the video presented at the time of the application for fado as "Intangible Heritage of Humanity".

And, just in case you would like to listen to some more...

'Witchcraft versus smart power: who owns human rights in the postcolonial world?'

2011-10-26T13:30:00.000+01:00

Interesting talk at St Catz College, Oxford. 8pm tonight!

'Witchcraft versus smart power: who owns human rights in the postcolonial world?'

The talk is based on historical research in Zimbabwe and the presentation is intended to stimulate questions and discussion, rather than provide a fully-formed argument. Prof. Jeater is looking to identify an interface between international political ideologies and local Zimbabwean understandings of human rights and community morality.
Prof Jeater has an interest in how indigenous ideas about spiritual and community well-being have been harnessed, distorted or destroyed by the work of international NGOs and solidarity organisations; about the consequences of this for politics in Zimbabwe in recent times; and about the implications for Suzanne Nossel's advocacy of 'smart power' as a way of maintaining US hegemony in a changing world.

A walk through Chicala

2011-10-25T21:36:00.003+01:00

Adeus Luanda...

2011-10-21T09:49:00.002+01:00

Hoje escrevo em Português, como homenagem ao Português que se fala em Angola! Amanhã estarei de volta ao Reino Unido. Tenho a certeza que vou sentir saudades desta bela terra de boa gente... Vou também sentir falta da banana-pão e do jindungo, assim como doutros sabores fantásticos que descobri por cá :)
Um grande abraço aos nossos "Kambas", que tanto nos mostraram e proporcionaram uma estadia maravilhosa em Luanda.
O que aprendi cá não é quantificável, mas percebo agora quando me diziam que uma visita a Luanda tem a capacidade de mudar uma pessoa...

Até já Luanda... Até já Angola!! :)

Musseque Chicala - view from the Fort

2011-10-20T11:55:00.000+01:00

Musseque Sambizanga - Luanda, Angola

2011-10-19T19:01:00.001+01:00

Pics - Chicala

2011-10-18T12:47:00.000+01:00

Fire!!

2011-10-17T22:11:00.001+01:00

Just a few nights ago I was having dinner outside and noticed that there was a fire on one of the tin shacks not very far, on the other side of the bay. Whether it is due to electric wiring left exposed, malfunctioning generators or the use of candles (many of these areas do not have electricity), it is not uncommon to hear news of families loosing their houses because of fire.

I never thought I was going to experience this, but my house nearly caught fire today! The generator had been working for many hours and one of the circuits must have overheated or something. Suddenly everything went pitch black and the generator was sounding like it was going to explode! One of the lamps then caught fire and the flames were all over the timber - you really have to see houses in the musseques to understand just how dangerous a fire can be. At the time I was shouting like crazy but luckily it was all sorted in a matter of minutes. Nothing that a bucket of water couldn't fix.
Seriously, I don't even want to think if this had happened whilst no-one was looking (we often leave the generator on if we are, for example, next door) :(

This self-building culture is a double-edged sword. Yes, it is great to build your own house, but the problem begins when people want to do everything by themselves, even if they haven't got a clue what they're doing! The precarious conditions of electric wiring, often left exposed to the elements (like the one we have here) can lead to very serious consequences. I mean, you sort of guess what may happen if, in order to turn on a light, you have got to put two wires together...

Zango

2011-10-16T23:56:00.002+01:00

I visited Zango (I, II, III and IV) today, an incredibly big area with thousands of houses 60 Km away from Luanda. Zango's houses were by the government with the intention of housing those who, for some reason, have been evicted from their houses. From what I understood, Zango was built in 4 different phases. In fact, Zango IV is still under construction and people have only just started to move in. This allowed me to see different stages of the process, from construction to post-occupation. Interestingly enough, the houses from Zango I (the first ones to be completed) have all been altered by the occupants to meet their different needs. For this reason, most of the times it is difficult to see the original house behind the walls, extensions, trees, plants, etc..

Zango IV, on the other hand, is still mostly unoccupied and the houses are nothing but empty shells in the middle of nowhere. It makes you wonder whether these houses were built for human occupation in the first place... I am sure that with time the place will look better, though.

House from Zango I

Zango IV

Thousands of people demonstrating in Lisbon for justice in times of crisis | Milhares de indignados gritaram em Lisboa por justiça em tempos de crise

2011-10-15T22:09:00.000+01:00

Fonte: Publico.pt
15.10.2011 - 20:42 Por Cláudia Carvalho

"O encontro estava marcado para as 15h em vários pontos do país, mas só mais tarde é que as manifestações portuguesas começaram a ganhar força. A organização aponta para 100 mil pessoas na manifestação de Lisboa, o jornal espanhol El País baixa a estimativa para 30 mil. Ainda não há resultados à vista, mas já há uma nova manifestação agendada: 26 de Novembro."

The meeting was scheduled for 3pm in various parts of the country, but only later did the Portuguese demonstrations began to gain strength. The organisation points to 100 000 people in the Lisbon's demonstration, the Spanish newspaper El Pais lowers the estimate to 30,000. There are still no results in sight, but there is already a new demonstration scheduled to Nov. 26

Artigo completo AQUI

Lindo...

2011-10-15T19:38:00.003+01:00

2011-10-15T16:06:00.000+01:00

Today is definitely NOT a very good day!!!

One week to go

2011-10-14T19:10:00.001+01:00

Half of the day was completely lost... I was supposed to have an interview in the morning with someone in the National Housing Institute but, unfortunately, he had to postpone to Monday... Couldn't do much at DW today either. With only one week left here I feel that I am a bit behind on my work, and fear that I will not be able to achieve what I planned, especially in terms of interviews to people from the musseque. Now I see how helpful it would have been to have had some research assistants...

It's almost impossible to plan these things from a distance. You can never truly predict what is going to happen. For example, it is incredibly hot every single day, which means that after only three interviews I am completely tired. In the city centre, where I have been almost every morning, it takes ages to get everywhere because of traffic. Also, even you you have a meeting at a certain time you usually have to wait a bit (often more than a bit...) longer until people are available to talk to you.

And last, but not least, as there does not seem to exist such thing as a quiet night, I haven't slept properly since I arrived – I am not exaggerating :).

Next week I hope to visit one of the new cities built from scratch in the outskirts of Luanda. Everyone has been telling me so many interesting things about it during the interviews, that I really want to see things for myself. This idea of building an entire city where there was literally nothing is very interesting for me as an architect. In this case I am particularly interested in the architectural solutions adopted for the low-cost housing. I'll post some photos if I manage to go there.

Tomorrow the plan is to visit other musseques (Cazenga, Rangel and Sambizanga), so I am looking forward to it!!

In the meantime here are some photos taken over the last days here in Chicala.

It's not all rainbows and butterflies

2011-10-13T19:01:00.001+01:00

It's not all rainbows and butterflies... Yesterday Q., a friend of mine, had a gun pointed at him whilst he was stopped in Luanda's chaotic traffic. Two boys threatened to shoot him if he resisted and took everything he had in his car... He's fine now, but was very disturbed yesterday.

So far I haven't had any problems, and hope it continues this way. To be honest I feel that, overall, the city is quite safe. But after what he told me – about how common these episodes are in Luanda – I will definitely be more careful.

An update

2011-10-12T08:58:00.000+01:00

The last few days have been very productive. Fortunately, I finally managed to get hold of some of the people I have been trying to contact since I arrived. The interviews I have carried out so far have been a vital tool to identify various issues related to my research.

The focus group I did with the architecture students was definitely one of my favourite moments! It was very interesting to understand the students' perspective on some of the problems currently affecting Luanda's bairros. They seem to be fully aware of these issues and also wish to be part of a solution as future architects. It gave me hope knowing these students will be able to actively participate in the much needed reconstruction of their country in just a few years.

Also a few days ago we had a very interesting moment in Chicala. During the seminar on urban development, which took place at University Lusíada of Angola, I had the pleasure of meeting Axel Koschany, a German architect with 20 years of professional experience and with an assumed interest for dynamics of informal settlements. His lecture, entitled 'Global becomes Lobal becomes Glocal', was thoroughly enjoyed by myself as well as by everyone else in the room. We had a nice chat afterwards about the issues he had addressed and so I decided to propose a challenge – visit Chicala! Axel immediately said yes and ended up bringing two more people with him, Filip de Boek and Ann, two anthropologists who were also in the seminar.

Next day we picked them up from the city centre and came back to Chicala where we spent a nice few hours walking around the bairro. We had a really nice time!Axel is now back to is work in Germany but I hope he still carries in his heart what he has experienced here in Chicala. And of course, that such experience can also somehow positively inform his professional practice.

I really wish more people could visit such places and demystify the false ideas constructed around them. If all goes well – and I get to do enough interviews by then – probably I will invite the Portuguese architects I met during my first week in Luanda for lunch this Sunday.

It's my last weekend so I need to prepare something special :)

Faces II

2011-10-10T21:43:00.000+01:00

Faces

2011-10-10T16:29:00.000+01:00

2011-10-09T20:03:00.000+01:00

The truth is rarely pure and never simple

Oscar Wilde

My version of red red

2011-10-09T16:07:00.000+01:00

Not as good as the one I had in Ghana, but good enough :)

old wooden houses

2011-10-08T08:46:00.002+01:00

I met Bia in one of the many alleys of Chicala when I was trying to find a shop (or 'cantina', as they call it here) where I could buy batteries for my audio recorder. The many narrow streets and corners hide all sorts of stories and people in Chicala.
Bia, now in her 50s, stopped doing the laundry when she saw us passing by. She wondered why we were looking at the old wooden house next door to hers. When we asked why was this house so different from others in the neighbourhood she smiled, left the pile of clothes and stood up as if to tell us a story. This wooden house, which is in a very poor condition, was built during colonial times and, although it remains there today, it has lost the splendour it once had. "This house has been here since before 1975.", Bia told us. She also said that, at some point, the wooden houses replaced the ones made with 'luando', a kind of thick grass or palm tree leaves, a material widely used by fishermen to build their homes. Bia has not always lived here in this side of Chicala. When she was young, her home was further south on the island of Luanda where the houses were constantly destroyed by the force of the waves - "higher than that wall back there". The floods were so bad that sometimes she had to spend the night sleeping on top of the table because the floor was covered with water.
Bia moved to Chicala when there was still a beautiful forest and very few houses. Unlike the previous place, here the water never reached the houses. At night it was so dark that one could not see an inch in front of one's eyes. It was then that she began to see those wooden houses, safer and more resilient than those of 'lundo'. Perception changed the way houses were build from thereon, as the 'luando' material was not regarded as good as wood. This marked the end of 'luando' houses.
Now, many years later, the wooden house dies slowly and barely stands up. Now, says Bia, people only want cement blocks and sheet metal roofs. Wooden houses, which were considered very good quality before are now refered to as fragile and temporary, just like 'luando' houses were. This is a never ending cycle. I wonder what will follow cement blocks?
There are still a few of these colonial wooden houses scattered throughout Chicala. The war did not affect them but they were completely swallowed by the exponential growth of the neighbourhood, and now share the space with hundreds of little cement block houses. However abandoned, they still tell wonderful stories of those who lived here many years ago.

"Silêncio Obrigatório"

2011-10-06T18:37:00.001+01:00

Necessity is the mother of invention

2011-10-06T09:13:00.000+01:00

BBC news: Growing protests in Angola alarm long-term leader

2011-10-05T20:13:00.000+01:00

Source: BBC News Africa

26/09/2011

"Political tensions are rising in Angola, where a small but increasingly vocal group of protesters are rattling the cage of the ruling party ahead of elections planned for next year.

Inspired by the downfall of North African regimes, the group of mostly young people, who have no fixed political affiliation, have been staging a series of anti-government street protests which, as in Egypt and Tunisia, have been organised via text messages and social media sites like Facebook and YouTube.

Although only attracting a few hundred people each time at most, such demonstrations are largely unheard of in Angola, where the regime drowns out critical voices through threats and patronage, and trade union action is muted.

The main driver behind the protests is unhappiness that, despite Angola's enormous oil wealth and post-war economic boom, two thirds of people still struggle in grinding poverty, many without running water and electricity.

And President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who last week clocked up 32 years in power, has become a target for this anger amid allegations that he and his family, along with close aides, have been getting rich through corruption and insider deals."

Read full article

Pedras no caminho? Guardo todas, um dia vou construir um castelo…

2011-10-04T18:17:00.000+01:00

Luanda was so hot today! I always thought that being Portuguese would make me stand the heat, but this is too much! I spent all morning jumping between different government delegations and nearly fainted from the heat. A woman saw me resting in front of the Provincial Government of Housing and asked me what I was doing there. When I said I wasn't feeling well she just answered “Oh, of course, you are not from around here...” :)

Luanda is not a pedestrian-friendly city, the car is used to go everywhere, whether far or close, which contributes for the craziest and most chaotic traffic one can imagine. This influences a lot the general notion of distance. When I was asking for directions to certain places people always answered “It's just there around the corner”... Right... 30 minutes later and I do not know how many metres later I'd eventually arrive.

Unfortunately things didn't go very well today. I never managed to get hold of the people with whom I was supposed to talk to. They were either on vacation, in a meeting, or who knows what else.

To be honest, today I feel slightly demoralized, and a bit homesick... I never expected that this would be a simple task, but the fieldwork has been far more complex than planned. There are many barriers to access information and, above all, the fact that there exist so many problems associated with the theme of my research makes focusing on one aspect extremely difficult. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow.

I always remember Fernado Pessoa whenever I find an obstacle on my way - 'Pedras no caminho? Guardo todas, um dia vou construir um castelo… ' ( 'if I have rocks on my way, I shall keep them all. Someday, I will build up my own castle…)

Just to finish, below is an interesting image showing how people build their houses everywhere, even on top of existing buildings.

2011-10-03T12:09:00.001+01:00

Distribution of water.1000 litres cost approximately 20 dollars

This is one way people get rid of waste, by burning it.

I don't intend to begin all my posts with the power status in the bairro, but I can't help doing that today... There is no power, nothing, nada, rien!! It's interesting to see how people here have learnt to deal with this quite well over the years. Yesterday, L.D. - who has always lived in Chicala – was telling me that this area until recently was not covered by this infrastructure at all. He said something about the government providing energy to bairros close to elections time...

Chicala is lacking many things. One has to live here to understand the dynamics of both people and space and how they manage to cope with all sorts of problems. And I am not just talking about the poor access to the bairro and people's houses, the complete lack of water, the constant blackouts, and the low quality of the built environment, it goes way beyond that. This particular area, as well as others in Luanda, is changing rapidly and people here are aware that, sooner or later, everyone will have to move out of Chicala. Where to? No-one seems to have an answer for that just yet. What they do know is that they will lose their current life, their references, livelihoods, and close contact with their neighbours and friends. Moreover, and because Chicala is so close to the city centre, the privilege of quickly getting to the city, where many of the people work, will also be lost.

I have been talking about this issue quite a lot with different people, and I can say that the feeling of uncertainty and insecurity towards their future is implicit in every word spoken.

A few days ago, I was told that this bairro will probably be demolished in about one year time (part of it is already gone). I can't help wondering what I will find here when I return to Angola, and where will these people be living...

I am still getting used to daily life here. Getting a full night sleep is particularly difficult, since there is always something happening somewhere - which usually involves music, or very loud music to be more accurate. Last night for example, there was another concert a few hundred metres from my house :) Of course there is no such thing as insulation or double glazing, so you hear pretty much everything as if it is happening inside your house. Oh, and let's not forget the noise coming from all the generators working at the same time when the power is off...

Last night I don't know why but I woke up at around 3am and could not sleep for another couple of hours... The nights are very hot and slightly uncomfortable, and all I could think about was how itchy the mosquito bites on my legs are!! I should probably try another type of insect repellent. The one I used in Ghana was completely useless and now I am beginning to think the same of the one I am currently using... I HATE MOSQUITOES!!!

On a more positive note, I was told about about 2 markets close-by where people usually buy all sorts of building materials to build their houses. Hopefully I'll manage to go there this or the following week, just to have a general idea of prices. From what I understand the only materials manufactured and sold within the neighbourhood are cement blocks. All the other stuff are mainly acquired in the markets.

More photos

2011-10-02T19:59:00.001+01:00

Today the power was off again... Apparently this is common on Sundays... Maintenance of the power plant, I told... It has become clear from these days alone that this is an issue, particularly in the bairros, where the infrastructure is weaker. The provision of energy is not reliable in Luanda. This helps to explain why every single person has a generator at home (I had not understood that before).

I am enjoying taking pictures of people around here. Everyone is incredibly photogenic and natural. I really wish I had a better camera with me... Here are a few more photos.

Chicala on a sunday

2011-10-02T14:45:00.000+01:00

Some music

2011-10-01T19:23:00.000+01:00

The music is still playing outside (non-stop and veryyyy loud since early this morning!!), and with so many things happening at the same time, I ended up not doing much today.

Yesterday, however, the day was quite productive. I spent about 5 hours at DW's office looking for documentation relevant for my research. They have so many interesting things! It's basically stuff which has been accumulated over the years, and given that DW has been in Angola for more than 20 years, well, you can imagine what I mean. Much of the information I was interested in was to do with the development of informal settlements in Luanda, and I was very fortunate to come across extremely useful things. It's a shame though, that many of those reports and papers are only phisically available here. Perhaps I should have come to Angola earlier so that I could have included some of the data in my literature review. Anyway, it's not a big problem, since I can always revise and add information. A PhD is only closed when one submits the final draft and I am very far from that!!

Oh, in addition to this, although at this stage I cannot provide further details, things are also beginning to point towards my return to Angola in January or February for at least another month.

I also went out for dinner with a few Portuguese who are working here. They are all either architects or engineers, so it was very interesting to get their views on the issues currently affecting the city.

Tomorrow I will most likely spend the day transcribing the interviews I have conducted so far and, if I still have a bit of time, continue with mapping the street.

Just to conclude this post, I left my favourite playlist in Oxford. and am beginning to miss the music I always listen to when I am working :( The internet connection is soooooooooo slow here but I still managed to listen to one of my favourites on youtube today – which made me very happy! So, I just thought I'd share it here :) Enjoy it!

Lunchtime photoshoot

2011-10-01T12:57:00.001+01:00

A big thank you to all my models!

Party tonight :)

2011-10-01T10:39:00.002+01:00

My landlord is preparing things outside for a party today. The huge sound system is on since very early this morning... And it's not only his music, the neighbours are doing the same! Forget staying in bed on a Saturday morning, no way that's going to happen in Chicala!
By the way, the power is back on!! So, let's celebrate that tonight!

O meu senhorio está a preparar as coisas lá fora para uma festa. O sistema de som enorme está ligado desde esta manhã bastante cedo... E não é só ele que tem música, os vizinhos estão a fazer a mesma coisa! Ficar até tarde na cama a um sábado de manhã é para esquecer aqui na Chicala!
Ah, e a energia voltou! Vamos celebrar isso hoje à noite!!

Missing the beach

2011-09-30T18:56:00.001+01:00

No, this is not in Angola, unfortunately... I thought I would be able to take some time off and relax while I'm here, but now I realise that with all the work I still have to do, this will probably not happen. Oh well, I can always remember this beautiful beach in Ghana...

Still no power

2011-09-30T17:28:00.001+01:00

This is the 3rd day without power... Hopefully this will be sorted soon...

Este é o 3.º dia sem electricidade... Espero que isto se resolva em breve...

Lights out!

2011-09-29T19:55:00.002+01:00

I landed in Luanda one week ago. In this short period of time – it feels much more than that – all sorts of things happened, but the result so far is very positive.
Today we experienced how it feels like to live without power. This area of Chicala was left in the dark (now I realise that it was a smart choice to buy a PC with a good battery life). Apparently the power cuts are very common here. The blackouts may range from few hours to days and there is little one can do apart from relying on a generator to keep the lights on after sunset.
Nevertheless, today was an interesting day. I spent the morning at Universidade Lusíada where I attended a lecture by architect Maurício Ganduglia with the theme "Characterization of Housing and Criteria for Comfort in Angola."
My first contact with Maurício happened when I was planning to visit Luanda in the beginning of this year, which unfortunately turned out not to happen. At the time, we talked about meeting up to exchange a few words about the work that he has been developing with local and natural building materials (mainly earth construction) in Angola. Now that I am finally in Luanda we will have the chance to catch up. In addition to that, my staying in Luanda coincides with the Universidade Lusíada's Academic Week, an event that aims to promote discussion and debate around various issues related to the built environment in Angola.

Maurício Ganduglia's lecture focused on the work and stusies on earthen construction recently carried out by the university and himself. This topic will be further discussed next week during the architecture forum. I am planning to attend so I shall bring this up again some time during next week.
By the way, during the lecture, before and after Maurício's intervention to be more accurate, there were two musical moments (as they put it) provided by a student and a teacher! Totally unexpected, but very interesting :) Nothing better to wake up the audience!
Tomorrow starts my week 2 in Angola. I'll return to Development Workshop's office for another meeting and hope to have time to go through some documents in their library.

Faz hoje uma semana que aterrei em Luanda. Neste curto espaço de tempo - que me parece já muito mais que isso - já me aconteceu um pouco de tudo, mas o saldo até agora é bastante positivo.

Hoje foi a vez de sentir o que é ficar sem energia. Esta zona da Chicala está às escuras (é nestas alturas que percebo que foi uma opção inteligente comprar um pc com uma boa bateria). As falhas de energia são comuns, assim me dizem, por aqui. Os apagões vão de horas a dias e pouco mais se pode fazer do que contar com o gerador de apoio para manter a luz acesa após o do pôr-do-sol.

Apesar disso, este foi um dia interessante. Passei a manhã na Universidade Lusíada onde assisti a uma palestra proferida pelo arquiteto Maurício Ganduglia, com o tema “Caracterização da Habitação e Critérios para o Conforto em Angola”.

O meu primeiro contacto com o arquiteto Maurício aconteceu ainda na altura em que eu pensava vir a Luanda no início deste ano que, infelizmente, acabou por não se concretizar. Ficámos de nos encontrar para trocarmos umas palavras sobre o trabalho que tem vindo a desenvolver com materiais de construção naturais e locais (sobretudo a construção com terra) em Angola. Agora, uns quantos meses após o plano inicial, deu-se a feliz oportunidade da minha estadia em Luanda coincidir com a semana académica da Universidade Lusíada, onde se estão a debater questões ligadas à arquitetura em Angola. A palestra do arquiteto Maurício abordou o trabalho que a universidade e ele próprio têm levado a cabo no sentido de sensibilizar os alunos e a população em geral para a potencialidade de construção com materiais locais e naturais. Na próxima semana irá decorrer o fórum de arquitetura onde se dará continuidade a esta discussão. Darei mais notícias entretanto, pois conto estar presente.

Aproveito só para fazer uma nota. Durante a palestra, aliás, antes e depois da intervenção do arquiteto Maurício Ganduglia, tivemos direito a dois momentos musicais proporcionados por um aluno e um professor!! Totalmente inesperado, mas muito interessante :) Nada melhor para fazer acordar audiências (e que acordados estavam!)!

Amanhã começa a semana Dois em Angola e o dia avizinha-se igualmente rico. Volto à Development Workshop para mais uma reunião e para consultar o fantástico arquivo de documentação que possuem na sua sede em Luanda.

Port of Luanda

2011-09-29T18:01:00.001+01:00

"This is my house"

2011-09-28T12:45:00.000+01:00

Why is Luanda the most expensive city in the world?

2011-09-27T22:10:00.001+01:00

This label has been used as an excuse to raise prices of everything from a can of beans in the corner shop of Chicala to a night in a luxury hotel in the city centre.
Other cities in this list of 10 include Tokyo, Osaka and Hong Kong. Cities well known for their organisation and efficient provision of infrastructure. Luanda, although heading the list, reveals various needs at different levels. One could of course argue that the construction of infrastructure is still in its infancy but progressing well, and that the asymmetries felt in Angola's society will eventually disappear in the coming years, which would result in decent living conditions for those who want to live and /or work in Luanda. For now, however, the daily struggles just to get by in this African capital is a reality hard to ignore.

Yesterday I spoke with Director General of Development Workshop, an NGO that has been working in Angola, particularly amongst the poorest population, for many years. As a result of their work over here, they have developed a very comprehensive view of the problems experienced in the country. Allan Cain drew my attention to recent studies which indicate that a huge percentage of the built environment in Luanda (particularly in peri-urban areas) lacks the minimum conditions of habitability. Considering that about 2 / 3 of Luanda's population lives in the suburban neighbourhoods, I wonder what the future has reserved for Luanda's urban informal areas? The total area occupied by informal settlements is much more extensive than the formal city and the same happens with the number of people inhabiting there. Current proposals for urban requalification appear to orient themselves towards partial or total removal (demolition) of existing buildings, rather than improving current conditions. The former usually has a greater focus on the space itself - the urban fabric is completely renovated, and people are relocated elsewhere (with all the associated social consequences), while the latter typically tends to also incorporate the human variable in the equation - the space is improved / upgraded, without recourse to mass demolitions, avoiding the usual stress associated with displacing people.

It is obviously very difficult to indicate which is the best or worst solution for Angola generally and Luanda in particular. The specific case of Angola, which has only recently found peace after a war of more than 30 years – still very much present in everyone's mind -, makes prescribing solutions for urban requalification even more complex. The risk of failure in the face of overwhelming problems is definitely an issue.

Experience tells us that each case is unique and different contexts will always require different and very context-specific solutions. However, one can always observe what has been done worldwide to overcome similar problems and learn from either previous success of failure... Following this, it is also vital to learn from strategies implemented within the country and learn with every step, so that mistakes are not repeated.

Despite all of this, and possibly because of very rapid economic growth in Angola, when travelling to Luanda one will find a city where buying or renting a house necessarily involves spending a small fortune. Where essential products are much more expensive than in other countries. Where one will pay more to buy 1lt of mineral water than to buy the same amount of gasoline and where everything is accounted in dollars. Luanda is becoming a modern city. Hundreds of cranes are now part of the city's silhouette, announcing the birth of the same number of skyscrapers. At the same time, garbage piles up on the streets of the musseques, water does not reach people's houses and at times the roads are almost impassible.

This is Luanda. Luanda is beautiful. Luanda is very rich, so rich that everyone wants to stay here. Luanda is poor, so poor that everyone wants to leave.

Luanda tem disto. Um rótulo que tem servido com pretexto para elevar preços de tudo, desde uma lata de feijão numa cantina da Chicala a uma noite no hotel de luxo no centro da cidade.

Outras cidades nesta lista das 10 magníficas incluem Tóquio, Osaka ou Hong Kong, cidades sobejamente conhecidas pela sua organização e eficiente funcionamento das suas infraestruturas. Luanda, embora encabece a lista, transpira carências aos mais diversos níveis. Pode obviamente argumentar-se que a construção de infraestruturas se encontra numa fase embrionária mas a avançar a bom ritmo e que nos próximos anos as assimetrias da sociedade acabarão por se esfumar, oferecendo assim condições de vida condignas para quem deseja habitar e/ou trabalhar em Luanda.

Por enquanto, todavia, a necessidade de travar lutas diárias para viver o dia-a-dia nesta capital africana é uma realidade difícil de ignorar.

Ontem falava com o Diretor Geral da Development Workshop, uma ONG que há já largos anos se tem dedicado a desenvolver trabalho em Angola junto de populações mais carenciadas. Como resultado do seu trabalho por cá, desenvolveram uma visão bastante abrangente das problemáticas vividas em Angola. Allan Cain chamou-me a atenção para estudos recentemente realizados que indicam que uma percentagem enorme do parque edificado em Luanda, sobretudo nas zonas peri-urbanas, não apresenta as condições mínimas de habitabilidade. Ora, considerando que cerca de 2/3 da população de Luanda reside nestes bairros suburbanos, pergunto qual será o futuro deste tecido urbano informal, que em área é muito mais extenso que a cidade formal, assim como das populações que aqui residem. Propostas atuais de requalificação urbana parecem orientar-se no sentido de eliminação parcial ou total (demolição) do edificado existente, ao invés de melhoramento das condições atuais. Sendo que o o primeiro normalmente tem um maior enfoque no espaço em si – o tecido urbano é completamente renovado, e as populações são realojadas noutro local (com todas as consequências sociais associadas), enquanto que o segundo por norma tende a incorporar também a variável humana na equação – o espaço é melhorado/requalificado, sem recurso a demolições em massa, e o stress da deslocação da população é evitado.

É obviamente muito difícil afirmar com certeza qual é a melhor ou pior solução. O caso particular de Angola, que só recentemente encontrou paz após uma guerra de mais de 30 anos, torna a prescrição de soluções de requalificação urbana ainda mais complexa. Certo que cada caso é um caso e diferentes contextos obrigam a que se adotem diferentes soluções, no entanto, talvez seja acertado observar o que se tem feito mundo fora, perceber porque alguns casos tiveram franco sucesso e porque outros falharam redondamente... Portanto, antes de mais aprender com os outros, e depois, à medida que se implementam estratégias já no país, aprender a cada passo dado, para que não se repitam erros cometidos.

Independentemente de tudo isto, possivelmente porque o rápido crescimento económico em Angola assim o permite, quando se viaja para Luanda encontra-se uma cidade onde comprar ou alugar uma casa obriga a que se possua uma pequena fortuna. Onde os produtos essenciais, e não só, são bem mais caros que noutros países. Onde ao comprar 1lt de água mineral se gasta mais que a comprar a mesma quantidade de gasolina e onde tudo se conta em dólares. Luanda é uma cidade a modernizar-se. Centenas de gruas desenham hoje a silhueta da cidade, anunciando o nascimento do mesmo número de arranha-céus. Ao mesmo tempo, acumulam-se pilhas de lixo pelos bairros, onde se vive um dia-a-dia sem água canalizada e onde se chega a casa por estradas quase intransitáveis. Luanda tem disto. Luanda é muito rica, tão rica que todos cá querem ficar. Luanda é pobre, tão pobre que todos querem sair.

Luanda tem disto. Um rótulo que tem servido com pretexto para elevar preços de tudo, desde uma lata de feijão numa cantina da Chicala a uma noite no hotel de luxo no centro da cidade.

Por enquanto, todavia, a necessidade de travar lutas diárias para viver o dia-a-dia nesta capital africana é uma realidade difícil de ignorar.

Luanda tem disto. Luanda é linda. Luanda é muito rica, tão rica que todos cá querem ficar. Luanda é pobre, tão pobre que todos querem sair.

View of the new part of the city

2011-09-27T11:42:00.000+01:00

Home sweet home

2011-09-26T12:21:00.000+01:00

View from the street

Vista da rua

My house in Chicala, Angola. Next there is an abandoned military vehicle.

A minha casa na Chicala, Angola. Ao lado encontra-se um veículo militar abandonado.

Kitchen/dinning area

Zona de cozinha

and the view from the back of the house...

e a vista por trás da casa...

Our house mates - We found out yesterday that there were two kittens hiding behind the tv :) Their mother comes every once in a while to feed them.

Os nossos companheiros de casa - descobrimos ontem que estavam dois gatinhos escondidos atrás da televisão :) A mãe vem de vez em quando alimentá-los

"This is Africa"

2011-09-26T01:10:00.001+01:00

I have been hearing this sentence since I first set foot in Angola, whenever something out of the ordinary happens. There is a concert taking place literally next to my house, since at least 9pm (it's now 1.15 am). Don't think it will stop any time soon. :) Oh well... At least it's nice African music!
My 'landlord' is telling me "This is Africa my friend, you will remember this when you're gone". I am sure I will... This and much more...

In and around Luanda II

2011-09-25T13:25:00.002+01:00

I can hear music coming from outside. In fact, there's always music in almost every corner of this neighbourhood, regardless of the time.5 am, 10 pm, it really doesn't seem to matter.

This spirit is contagious! We were told that the Angolan people faithfully follows the goal of constantly celebrating life, and that everything is an excuse to dance and partying, despite the adversities they face. These words left me with a smile on my face and reflecting on the lessons that some people in Northern Europe could take from this ...

Yesterday, Dr. Samuel Aço, a professor of anthropology at the University Agostinho Neto, gave us a tour of some areas of Luanda. In the morning we joined a field trip organised by the university as part of the conference Week of Anthropology. The morning session's main theme was to do with the Mulemba tree and its role in the historical identity of Angola. The Mulemba we visited is located just outside Luanda and , according to Professor Virgílio Coelho – who gave a lecture in the morning -, this is a a very ancient tree whose meaning is deeply associated with fertility, power, wisdom, the bridge between the world of men and their ancestors, amongst others. Today, the location of this tree became almost a point and destination of pilgrimage, searched by those wishing to ask for the protection of their ancestors or simply those seeking good fortune in their lives.

After a long photo session and a lunch that appeared spontaneously fromone of the student's car, the class ended and the students headed back home. Our day, however, was still far from over. We went to visit the outskirts of the monumental city that is Luanda. A mixture of huge areas of informal settlements and planned residential buildings of several floors (many still empty) form the landscape of peri-urban Luanda, although the former clearly represents the vast majority. It is hard to miss the monochromatic grey tones of the cement blocks and metal roofs, only occasionally interrupted by the odd façade painted in vivid colours - often mentioning the business done there. Even the red earth, which is in the origin of the term musseques, is disappearing under the dense fabric of Luanda's musseques.

Dr. SA explained how the war, which ran for more than 30 years, played a major role or even decisive in the evolution of the construction of housing and the way space was generally lived and understood in Angolan cities, but particularly in Luanda. What we saw yesterday illustrates exactly this idea. The rural-urban mass migrations that characterized the years of conflict in Angola created the rapid need for shelter. This inevitably dictated the beginning of the phenomenon of peri-urbanisation, today so overwhelmingly spread that one loses completely the notion of beginning, middle and end.

These buildings also bear witness to the the way people have been building since the first generations first settled in the musseques. The wattle-and-daub and adobe construction techniques - technologies derived from rural areas - still survive, but only in the oldest structures, while the most modern display cement blocks and metal sheet roofs. According to S.A., the technology of building with earth is now as good as lost and, although one can easily make adobe if one wishes, the skill of building good quality houses using adobe or mud-and-daub no longer exists. The vernacular is now very much associated with poverty and, if this trend persists, I would say that the very concept of Angolan traditional and/or vernacular architecture will have to be re-assessed ...

(It is very hot ... The music continues to play outside, now accompanied by the sound of a shovel mixing a cement mortar).

We drove some 40 kms away from the centre of Luanda, passed Cacuaco and stooped close to the Katari (not sure how to spell it) lake to contemplate the beauty of nature. There was no trace of the confusion of the city. The only sound we could hear was the wind whistling passing quickly through the grass and the fading whistles of the fisherman down at the lake, as if to say that they had not had any luck with catching cachuço. We met N., a man of a strong handshake who, with his two dogs, manages a piece of land with 13 hectares. "There is no food to feed the pigs" he said, "We are waiting for the rain to make things grow again.".

The sunset on the horizon was telling us that it was time to return. On our way back we took another route and passed through different neighbourhoods. The highway back to Luanda still smells like new! Everything is changing in the city, so it seems. The dozens of trucks driven by Chinese and overloaded with building materials we saw passing by, are obviously a sign of the current reality in Angola. The rapid development coexists literally side by side with the exponential growth of these musseques. They seem to have a life of their own and shape themselves forming an organic and dense urban fabric. And if the access to the city is a prime location to observe the meeting of these realities, the opposite also occasionally happens... One only has to look at the huge concrete walls along the motorway - wide enough to hide, or simply make people forget the existence of slums. What is that saying "out of sight ..."?

There is so much more to write, but for now I'll stop here. Let's wait and see what tomorrow brings.

Oiço música vinda lá de fora. Na verdade, parece sempre haver música em qualquer recanto aqui no bairro da Chicala, seja às 5 da manhã, seja às 10 da noite. Este espírito é contagiante! Ontem diziam-nos que o povo Angolano vive segundo este princípio de ser solidário, aberto, feliz, sempre a dançar e celebrar a vida. Isto tudo independentemente das adversidades que se lhes aparecem pelo caminho da vida. Estas palavras deixaram-me com um sorriso nos lábios e a refletir sobre as lições que se podiam passar para alguns povos do norte da Europa...

Ontem corremos Luanda e arredores na companhia do Doutor Samuel Aço, professor de antropologia na Universidade Agostinho Neto, e de um dos seus antigos alunos Isaías, hoje multifacetado nas artes da representação de teatro, cinema e televisão – e futuro antropólogo forense!. Juntámo-nos de manhã a uma visita de estudo organizada no âmbito da Semana da Antropologia, que teve teve como tema principal a Mulemba e o seu papel na identidade histórica de Angola. A Mulemba que visitámos fica localizada à saída de Luanda e, segundo o que nos foi transmitido pelo professor Virgílio Coelho, trata-se de uma uma árvore centenária que abarca desde há largos anos anos uma simbologia ligada à fertilidade, poder, sabedoria, a ponte entre o mundo dos homens e os seus antepassados, entre outros. O local onde se encontra hoje esta árvore, já de tronco e copa sobejamente majestosos, tornou-se quase um ponto de peregrinação e destino obrigatório de quem deseja fazer pedidos aos seus antepassados ou simplesmente trazer boas fortunas para as suas vidas.

Após uma longa sessão de fotografias e um almoço que apareceu espontaneamente da mala do carro de um dos alunos, a aula terminou e os alunos rumaram a casa. O nosso dia, no entanto, estava ainda longe de terminar. Daí seguimos para a visita aos subúrbios da monumental cidade que é Luanda. Uma mistura de assentamentos informais com espaços planeados que contemplam edifícios de habitação de vários pisos (muitos ainda por habitar) compõem a paisagem peri-urbana de Luanda, embora sejam os primeiros claramente a grande maioria. Ressaltam à vista os tons monocromáticos do tijolo de cimento e telhados de chapa metálica, ocasionalmente interrompidos por uma ou outra fachada pintada a cor viva ou com anúncios de um negócio que se faz por ali. Até já a terra avermelhada, que deu o origem ao termo musseque que hoje se conhece, se vai escondendo por entre a malha densa dos musseques de Luanda. O Dr. S.A. explicava-me como a guerra, que se desenrolou por mais de 30 anos, desempenhou um papel preponderante ou mesmo decisivo na evolução da construção e vivência da habitação nas cidades Angolanas, mas sobretudo em Luanda. O que vimos pelos bairros ontem ilustra exatamente essa ideia. Os movimentos migratórios que caracterizaram os anos de conflito em Angola, trouxeram muita gente para Luanda, de tal forma que a necessidade de criação de abrigo ditou inevitavelmente o início do fenómeno dos bairros peri-urbanos, espalhados por uma extensão de perder de vista no horizonte... Uma escala perfeitamente esmagadora e impressionante, onde se perde por completo a noção de princípio, meio e fim.

As construções contam também a história dos saberes das várias gerações que se foram instalando e por ali ficando. O pau-a-pique e adobe, tecnologias oriundas das realidades rurais, sobrevive ainda nas estruturas mais antigas, enquanto as mais modernas ostentam já o bendito tijolo de cimento e a chapa de zinco. Dizia-me o Dr. que as tecnologias de construção com terra se perderam, e que embora se possa facilmente fazer adobe se se desejar, já não se sabe construir com qualidade usando adobe ou pau-a-pique. O vernacular está então agora associado a pobreza e, muito provavelmente, se esta tendência perdurar, o próprio conceito de arquitetura vernacular ou tradicional de Angola terá de ser repensado...

(Está muito calor...A música continua a tocar lá fora, agora acompanhada pelo som do roçar de uma pá na feitura de uma mistura de argamassa de cimento).

Afastámo-nos uns 40 kms do centro de Luanda, passámos o Cacuaco e parámos junto à lagoa Katari (será escrito assim?) para contemplar a beleza da natureza. Deixámos para trás a confusão da cidade. Ouve-se somente o assobiar do vento que passa rapidamente por entre o capim e os assobios do pescador lá bem em baixo na lagoa a avisar que não apanhou cachuço. Conhecemos o N., um homem de aperto de mão forte, que, com os seus dois cães, toma conta de um pedaço de terra com 13 hectares. “Os porcos não têm comida” dizia, “Estamos à espera das chuvas para que as coisas voltem a crescer”.

O pôr-do-sol anunciava-se já no horizonte e era hora de voltar. Tomámos outro caminho para passar por bairros diferentes. A auto-estrada de volta a Luanda cheira ainda a nova! Tudo está a mudar na cidade, assim parece. As dezenas de camiões conduzidos por chineses e carregadíssimos de materiais de construção que por nós passaram, são obviamente um sinal dos tempos que se vivem por aqui, assim como da construção desenfreada, ainda que aparentemente desequilibrada em diversas frentes. A realidade do rápido desenvolvimento coexiste literalmente lado a lado com o crescimento dos bairros que de desenham a si próprios formando uma densa e labiríntica malha urbana. E, se às vezes os acessos à cidade são locais privilegiados para contemplar o encontro destas realidades, os mesmos são também usados para o oposto, ora não fossem os muros de betão ao longo da auto-estrada suficientemente altos para esconder, ou simplesmente fazer esquecer, a existência dos musseques. Já diz o outro, “longe da vista...”

Teria muito mais para escrever, mas fico-me para já por aqui. Hoje é um dia para descansar. Amanhã volto ao trabalho!

In and around Luanda

2011-09-24T23:33:00.000+01:00

In Luanda!

2011-09-24T01:23:00.002+01:00

The arrival in Luanda was not the easiest... Starting with the landing, which was probably the scariest of my life so far – hope next time the captain remembers that it is actually good practice not to start landing when there is a plane occupying the runway! Getting our luggage back was also a bit of a nightmare. Apparently someone decided that the collective weight of the luggage in our flight was just a little bit too heavy to accompany the passengers. What better solution then to just leave it behind in South Africa?? Of course no one would miss their things for a day or two, right?? “This is Africa” I was told I don't know how many times, as if to justify this attitude.

Well, we eventually returned to the airport today – not without experiencing what is like to see your car dying in Luanda's chaotic traffic – and managed to pick up our bags from literally a pile of bags, which had been left for whoever wanted to get their hands on them...

Apart from that, so far everything went quite well. We are all settled in the house. The neighbourhood Chicala – where the house is located – illustrates very well some of the most pressing issues affecting Luanda these days: a growing informal settlement literally next to some of the most impressive modern buildings of the capital, complete lack of infrastructures (no water, roads, etc), absence of a strategy for storage or collection of waste, poor quality of the built environment (mostly self-built), and so on, and so on...

Despite all of that, it enclosures something inexplicably beautiful and special... J.M., the owner of the house where I am staying, confessed today that he would not change his humble house for one of those new apartments being built as part of the National Housing Programme. “I have lived here for a very long time and have my life here. If I am taken to a completely different place, how will I earn my living?” he told me. J.M. added that, in fact, the eviction and relocation of people has been common practice over the last years in Luanda, and that is often leading to very complicated situations. As he said to provide an example “the government may demolish a fisherman neighbourhood and take all its inhabitants to a place far from the sea, or demolish a farmers neighbourhood and take them somewhere close to the sea”.

N., an artist with a passion for African sculpture said just earlier today that he knows that sooner or later, Chicala will also join the names of other neighbourhoods that ceased to exist. “When?” I asked. “Only God knows...There is nothing we can do to stop it”...

Today was quite a busy and full day. I'm not sure how or why, but tonight I ended up at someone's birthday party. Interesting experience, great food, non-stop very loud Angolan music and very energetic moves (seriously, everyone seems to be a professional dancer!!) :)

Probably the whole neighbourhood was there - children, parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, friends... I am pretty sure that by tomorrow every single person in the neighbourhood will know that I am spending some time as their neighbour. Hopefully that will help with the interviews for my research.

Tomorrow I am going on a sort of fieldtrip around Luanda with some students from the local university. Looking forward to it!

See you soon!

More photos from Ghana

2011-09-20T19:50:00.000+01:00

Oxford street in Accra

The photos below are all from Darmang, the village close to the workshop site

From Ghana to Angola... Quick stop in Oxford

2011-09-20T12:26:00.001+01:00

I am now nearly done with packing and getting ready to leave towards Angola. Still can't believe I have only just arrived from Ghana and am taking off again tomorrow... And I still feel so incredibly tired...

Unfortunately the blogging has not been as frequent as I initially anticipated, but hopefully in Angola things will be different - or not, who knows?...

For now, and because I am really lacking the time, I leave here a selection of photos I took in Ghana. To find out more about how the workshop went you can access the ASF-UK Local Vs Global blog.

See you soon!

Hello from Pokuase, Ghana

2011-09-03T10:36:00.000+01:00

After a short stop in Lisbon...

...I arrived in Accra. The photos below are from Pokuase, where the workshop is taking place.

The Small Change Forum: ingenious people make better places

2011-08-30T17:24:00.000+01:00

One day conference hosted by community arts organisation, Multistory, and the Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP), Oxford Brookes University

Friday 7 October 2011

Oxford Brookes University, Oxford

Creative cultural action, including participatory arts, as the catalyst for community development is the theme of this one day conference. To these ends it will explore how small, practical and mostly low budget creative interventions, if carefully targeted, can act as catalysts for big and long lasting change designed to improve people’s environments and opportunities. This simple but powerful ideal demands significant changes to the way we think, do and organise in order to sustain, which will be explored as both theory and practice at the conference.

The conference will be organised into keynote presentations, thematic presentations, afternoon break out discussion sessions, and final plenary discussions. Thematic presentations (case studies, papers and reflective pieces) will be organised into the following Small Change themes: doing, thinking and sustaining. These will be presented by practitioners from non governmental organisations (NGOs), creative arts and academic sectors.

Keynote presentations will be made by development practitioner, Nabeel Hamdi, and community arts consultant, François Matarasso. Thematic sessions will include presentations from Scott Burnham (independent consultant), Penny Evans (Knowle West Media Centre), Barbara Wood (Schumacher Foundation), Jamie Young (RSA), Julia Slay (New Economics Foundation), Mukul Dhawan (AzkoNobel: Let’s Colour Project), Liljana Alcheva (Habitat for Humanity, Macedonia), and Danielle Smith (NGO, Sandblast).

This event will launch The Small Change Forum, designed to promote small change learning and practice through its documentation and analysis of case files. Each event, as part of this initiative, will disseminate new ideas, tools, methods, practical wisdoms, principles in order to inform teaching and practice, and to create a policy environment conducive to change.

Registration and Costs

The conference fee is £30 / £20 concession. For registration please go to:

www.brookes.ac.uk/schools/be/oisd/architecture/cendep/conferences.html

For further information please contact Jeni Burnell, Forum Chair, at: jburnell@brookes.ac.uk

European Network of Earth Building

2011-08-30T14:50:00.002+01:00

Source: http://earthbuildingeurope.wordpress.com/

In the meeting on 6th May 2011 in Marseilles it was decided to launch a European Network of Earth Building.

In the first phase this will be an informal knowledge network, using electronic (email and website) methods to communicate. In the early stage of development membership of the email list is free.

This will use the existing national networks and organisations already identified through the Terra Incognita project.

Lors de la rencontre du 06 mai 2011 à Marseille, il a été décidé de lancer un réseau européen des acteurs de la construction en terre.

Dans un premier temps, soit les prochains mois ou pour sa première année d’existence, on parlera d’un réseau informel de connaissance, utilisant des moyens électroniques de communication (site internet et courriels).

Il s’organisera sur base des réseaux nationaux existants et des organisations déjà identifiées au travers du Projet Terra Incognita.

Ready to go!

2011-08-26T17:05:00.001+01:00

Now I am finally ready to take off towards Ghana and Angola. After having picked up the Angolan visa yesterday, there is really nothing left to worry about – except of course the usual little things, like hoping the plane trip goes free of problems and so on...

To those planning to travel to Angola in the future, know that it is not the sort of trip that you decide to go in one day and get on a plane the week afterwards... Believe it or not, it took me roughly one year to prepare the trip to Angola. OK, maybe it was a bit too much, but I did have a few problems along the way that forced me to postpone the trip by a few months. Nevertheless, the whole process involves taking various – as in MANY - vaccines, apply for a visa (which sometimes requires an invitation letter), sorting out accommodation (really difficult to get something if, like me, you have a low budget), booking plane tickets, etc. In my case this also involved planning the whole fieldwork - methodology, data collection techniques, etc. -, which in itself was quite a challenge...

For now, and since before going to Angola, I will attend the ASF-UK workshop in Ghana, the focus is on getting mentally prepared for this. The organisation has sent the participants a few interesting texts on the main subject of the workshop - African Architecture in the African City by D.V Tassel and The African House Today, by A.Folkers. They have already arrived in Ghana and are preparing everything for the participants’ arrival, as they explain in the Local Vs Global blog - http://localvsglobal.wordpress.com/. By the way, apparently they will be posting in this same blog throughout the workshop, so if you are interested to read about what we will be doing there, save this URL and check back regularly for updates. I am really excited about the workshop and looking forward to start!

As for Angola, I anticipate that the experience will be immensely rich at every level. I was asked today if I could go to the local university and talk to the students and lecturers while I am in Luanda carrying out my fieldwork. It should be interesting to get the students’ perspective and opinions on certain issues such as the urban growth and the quality of the built environment in the country. Look forward to it... I was wondering, as I my research looks specifically at earthen construction it might be interesting to prepare something about the use of this construction technology in the European context... Still have to think about that...

Rural Studio - Why aren't all architecture schools like this?

2011-08-23T14:40:00.002+01:00

Just a few days ago a friend and colleague architect told me about this wonderful thing called "the Rural Studio". It basically consists of a different and revolutionary way of teaching and doing architecture, in which students are made aware of the social responsabilities of the profession of the architect while providing homes to poor communities in Alabama.

The Rural Studio is part of Auburn University and was created in 1993 with the intention of teaching architecture by combining theory and practice and apply them to local real life situations, i.e., hands-on experience focused on improving living condition of people in an impoverished area of Alabama. The Rural Studio's concept is not complicated at all, in fact it is as simple as it can get: teach students about architecture and the built environment, from design to construction, and get them deeply involved in every step of the way. I wonder why this is not done more often?...

My friend E. also told me all about the huge success of this programme, which helps to explain the long waiting list of people from all over the world who wish to attend the course. I can easily relate to them... A few years ago, when I was studying architecture one of the things that I criticised was the lack of hands-on experience - and I am not just talking about learning how to design buildings but also how to actually construct them.

If you are interested you can read more about the Rural Studio HERE and HERE.

UNESCO/ Reviving Earth Architecture in the Jordan Valley - Palestine

2011-08-20T09:32:00.002+01:00

via: youtube
Short video produced by UNESCO Ramallah Office on the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTF-HS) Fund Joint Program: “Livelihood Protection and Sustainable Empowerment of Vulnerable Rural and Refugee Communities in the Jordan Valley” in Aqabet Jaber Refugee Camp.

The Human Security Joint Programme for the Jordan Valley implemented by FAO, UNESCO, UNRWA and UN WOMEN is designed to respond to the protection and livelihood needs of selected vulnerable Palestinian communities and to improve their living conditions by providing them with the skills, tools and techniques to mitigate and cope with the threats they are confronted with.

UNESCO component focuses on improving the physical living conditions and housing standards in the Jordan Valley, where some 30 percent of its inhabitants, including refugees, Bedouins and economic migrants, are deprived of their right to adequate housing. In order to achieve its objectives, UNESCO component is designed to utilise existing and yet untapped opportunities by providing local population with up-to-date know-how and alternative building techniques, notably the "mud-brick", which in the past was extensively used in the area as the most suitable construction material for all typologies of buildings as well as the most environment friendly.

The selected direct beneficiaries (skilled workers and unskilled workers and 3 young architects) will be trained on-the-job on the production and construction of mud-brick utilising the 6 mud-brick structures to be provided by the Programme which shall also serve as pilot demonstration structures. These are: the UNRWA community centre in Aqbet Jabr refugee camp, 4 women centres in various villages in the JV to be utilised by UN Women and its local partners, the museum of Agriculture which is a joint initiative of the Palestinian ministries of Tourism and Antiquities, and Agriculture and the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC), in addition to the rehabilitation works in selected historical sites.

The first pilot demonstration structure, the UNRWA community centre is a 250 m2 structure that, for training and experimental purposes, will be constructed using different available materials (Adobe Blocks, Compressed Earth Blocks, etc) and building techniques (vaults, domes, flat ceilings, multi-floor, and different kinds of plastering). Over 30 skilled workers, 20 unskilled workers and 3 architects including 7 women are currently benefiting from the on-the-job training through the construction of this pilot under the direct supervision of the UNSCO Team of Consultants.

A few months in Africa

2011-08-15T11:42:00.005+01:00

With only two weeks to go before I embark on my trip to Ghana and Angola, I feel that I still have a million things to prepare before leaving! Not a very good feeling, I have to say...

The trip to Ghana was organised by ASF-UK as part of the workshop "Local Vs Global – Sustainable Development Workshop". Just a few days ago, the organisation has announced that we would also take part in the symposium "Local Vs Global: Strategies for Sustainability in the face of rapid development, UN-Habitat and Architecture sans Frontiers Day Symposium" while we're there. It sounds very exciting and I am looking forward to it.

As far as the trip to Angola is concerned, the preparation and organisation started about a year ago. It has been quite a challenge but, apart from minor things, I can now say that it's all been sorted. Along the way, I was fortunate to have had the help and support of wonderful people in Angola, to whom I will be eternally grateful. Hopefully the fieldwork will go well and I will be able to collect sufficient and relevant data for my research. Fingers crossed!!

Interview with Ronald Rael - via MYOO

2011-08-13T11:30:00.002+01:00

I came across this interview by Ronald Rael this morning and thought it would be interesting to share with all of you earth building enthusiasts.

Ronald is the author of the well known website eartharchitecture.org and more recently of the book Earth Architecture. As he says in the interview below, he has been involved in earthen architecture since he was quite young and today is considered one of the most prominent references in the field.

For me personally, I think that he is doing a great job at promoting the contemporary use of earthen buildings, mostly through his book and blog. I also like the fact that he is realistic in what he says about earth buildings, i.e, he doesn't claim that this is the most sustainable material in the world and that it is THE solution for the problems with the world's built environment (as I am sure you heard many people saying). Instead, he suggests that it can be used as a sustainable building material in some contexts and it may even be unsustainable in some cases.

I guess that, as in everything, when planning a building there needs to be a careful analysis before selecting the most appropriate construction materials and technology. This will of course depend on the context of such buildings (in which geographical, environmental, social, economic and cultural aspects will have to be considered).

Interview with Ronald Rael - via: MYOO

After our June interview with Pietro Laureano, we started thinking about how regular people might actually apply traditional technology to their daily lives. Especially, we wondered, would large numbers of people ever live in houses made of mud? That seems like a good test of how far we’re willing to carry old, sustainable ideas into a new, sustainable future. Would earth houses be safe? Would they actually be better for the environment? Would they “feel” more natural?

To help answer these questions, we turned to Ronald Rael, the author of Earth Architecture, a book and website devoted to championing buildings made of dirt. He spoke with us from the roof of his office in a West Oakland warehouse.

MYOO: How did you start working with houses built out of earth?

RONALD RAEL: Personally, I became involved with earth architecture because I grew up on a cattle ranch on the border of southern Colorado and New Mexico. So it was a material I was very familiar with from my childhood. And then I studied architecture at Columbia in New York and became curious about the architectural methods from my upbringing.

MYOO: What’s not sustainable about the modern concrete and steel buildings we typically see today?

RONALD: I wouldn’t say there’s anything “not sustainable” about any of those materials. I think what needs to be considered is how those materials are used, the planned longevity, what context they’re being used in and so on. I think it’s far more complex than classifying some material as sustainable or not sustainable.

For example, earth has its potential for being unsustainable as well. Culturally, it’s a material that people see as being backwards or not modern or very poor, and people want to advance and have a better lifestyle. When they don’t associate a material like earth with cultural advancement, economic advancement, education and so on then in a sense earth becomes non-sustainable because it doesn’t sustain a reflection of what a culture intends itself to be or has aspirations to be.

MYOO: So then how are these materials–concrete, glass and steel–being used?

RONALD: One thing is that they are often used acontextually. Because of all the integrated technologies and all the associated materials, today’s buildings do not necessarily need to respond to their context. That means, for example, that you might build an entire south facade out of glass. But then you’ll constantly be cooling down that whole building.

That’s one of my biggest issues: there’s no contextuality to buildings today. We find the same buildings along the highway in South Carolina as we do in upstate New York as we do in the deserts of Arizona. The same exact building. It doesn’t matter where the building is built.

And that’s something that’s changed over the last century or so. Before, buildings were very contextual. The materials may have come within a certain distance from the site, they were produced, they were manufactured within some certain radius. Now the steel may came from China, the concrete may be mined from another part of the country, you might get the stone from India. There’s definitely something awry about that.

MYOO: Why would we have ever stopped using local materials and techniques and started using generic ones that don’t suit the local environment?

RONALD: My answer is capitalism. Because traditional buildings methods and materials don’t make money. No one’s gotten rich off of earth and one of the reasons why is because it can’t be homogenized, it can’t be standardized, and it can’t be sold. If you’re buying a certain type of concrete, you know it has a certain strength. Same with a certain type of steel. There’s a sameness. But earth is very difficult to homogenize. If you dig a hole outside your front door and again across the street, the earth may be very different, even though it still has the capacity to make a building.

MYOO: So if earth is difficult to homogenize as a commodity, how do you get more architects and builders working with it?

RONALD: I think if municipalities begin to adopt building codes that reflect traditional building methods, that’s one way. In fact there are movements to recognize earth as a building material. It’s been introduced into the International Building Code recently.

One of the biggest problems is that insurance companies will not insure buildings constructed of earth because it’s not defined by codes. If you won’t insure a building made of earth, a bank won’t give you money to build a building made of earth, and you’re caught in this vicious cycle.

Education is something that would allow people to start living in earth buildings. There are increasingly schools that are teaching earthen architecture. The more that people get educated about sustainable and traditional building methods, the more they will go out in the work force and build this way. But I think a lot of the knowledge has been stripped out of the culture. And it’s very hard to supplant and reintroduce.

MYOO: Is all dirt good for building?

RONALD: Almost all earth, all dirt that you can find, is able to be used in some way for building. There are a number of what can be called building techniques that can be used with earth. So for example rammed earth is one technique. Mud brick, cob, adobe–these are all techniques that can allow different soil types to be used in different ways.

So in some cases if the soil has less of some material, something else can be introduced that is local. So if there was less clay, it’s straw. Or you could use ox blood or you could use cactus mucilage. There are different ways to strengthen the earth. The earth itself will have shells and clay and sand particles in it; if it lacks or has too much of any of one of these, there’s going to be something in the context that could supplant that.

And also you could dry the earth with the sun. In some places you could ram the earth or also compact it by hand. In other places you could puddle it. If there was lots of vegetation matter around, you could weave vegetation matter together and apply mud to that. Earth exits on every continent. Every country has their own methods and techniques. Many of these are alive and well. It’s still the most widely used material on the planet.

MYOO: Yeah, I read on your website that roughly 3 billion people live in earth houses. That’s almost half the planet’s population. I’m assuming you’re counting brick as earth…?

RONALD: No, I’m only talking about buildings that use earth that’s not been chemically altered. Brick is fired and that’s a chemical transformation that takes place under high heat that won’t allow it to ever return back to its original soil properties.

MYOO: Where are those 3 billion earth homes? They don’t seem too common in the U.S.

RONALD: Most of them are in China, India, in Africa, and in South America. But there’s an enormous amount here in the United States. There’s plenty in New York. They’re on the East Coast. The oldest house in Boston is made of mud brick, and that’s Paul Revere’s house.

The oldest [European] house in the Americas was Christopher Columbus’s house. That was made of rammed earth and its ruins still exist. The oldest continuously occupied building in America is a multilevel apartment building in New Mexico made in the 1100s, made of mud. They’re everywhere. If you’re really interested in finding them, you’ll find that they’re right under your nose.

MYOO: Are there some people who will never accept the idea of living in an earth house? Or what I imagine they’d want to call a “dirt” house?

RONALD: I think there’s a general homogeneity in American culture that won’t allow them to live in an earth house. There are preconceptions about what it is, that it’s some kind of hut for an impoverished person. I don’t know what would allow it to be introduced into popular culture.

But I do think that there’s a potential to raise these issues in countries in the Middle East and in China where they are building huge cities overnight. They’re using tremendous resources, usually to construct these all out of concrete block. There’s a lot of interest and a lot of potential to do things there because they recognize the potential of the material and they have a tradition with the material.

They haven’t yet seen–how should I say this?–they haven’t gone through the kind of scarification that suggests the material is bad. I think that capitalism presents something as being good or bad and the good thing you buy and the bad thing you don’t. And so when earth is pushed to the background, they said, “Well earth is bad, look at this new modern fresh thing.” I don’t think that’s happened in some of the emerging countries. They may not be very far removed from earth in terms of the generations. They may have in fact been displaced from an earthen village and urbanised, for example, in China, so they can still see how you can use the material.

MYOO: What can you not do with earth? How does your architectural approach have to change from what we expect of buildings made from metal and glass and concrete?

RONALD: You can’t get it wet.

MYOO: Huh. That seems like a pretty big thing!

RONALD: Yeah. That is a big thing so you have to have a nice roof, you have to have a nice foundation. There’s a kind of overused cliché in the earth building world that says “An earth house has to have a good hat and a good pair of shoes.” And really that’s all it needs. It sounds like a big thing but you’d be surprised at how well the roofs and foundations work.

At a fundamental level, all buildings are attempting not to get wet, they just do it in different ways. And so a wood building does that with a roof, lots of paint, maybe tar. People think brick’s waterproof even though it’s not. Concrete’s not waterproof. All building’s really can’t get wet.

One thing that I think is beautiful about earth is that when it’s wet, it tells you it’s wet. It changes its color. Most buildings today are designed in such a way that you don’t see their responses with the environment. If a wooden building is leaking, you might not never know for ten years until it’s completely rotted. It doesn’t talk back to you. It doesn’t say what’s going on.

- Adam Bright

Next chapter - restoring our earthen house

2011-08-11T13:44:00.006+01:00

east elevation

east and north elevations

south and east elevations

view from the top of the hill

After one year of going back and forth and dealing with the usual bureaucracy we can finally can call this bit of land in Alentejo (Portugal) ours! The next step, which should take another year, is restoring the house and make the place liveable so that we can move back to Portugal for good!

The plan is to start the building process with a composting toilet and a shower outside, and then crack on full power with the house. I would like to organise a few workshops during different stages of the construction, so that the community - and others interested - can be involved in the process. Probably the composting toilet will be the first of these series of workshops, but I shall post further info here about the workshop when everything is properly arranged.

The rammed earth walls will all be replaced, as well as the roof. The foundations appear to be in a very good condition and there is a beautiful slate oven on the south façade that we will of course keep (I can already imagine the bread I’ll bake there).

In the future, the plan is also to build an eco swimming pond or natural swimming pool, however, from what I gathered from the prices, this will have to wait a bit more...

So, for now the focus is entirely on the house. Myself and my partner are fully aware that this will be quite a challenge, but surely a rewarding one! We cannot wait to start ramming the earth!!

Any updates will be posted here.

projeto research-Terra: novos recursos

2011-07-16T14:37:00.000+01:00

Caros amigos e colegas,

Desde o seu início, em Março de 2010, o projeto Research-terra tem crescido consideravelmente. Temos agora um novo URL URL - http://www.research-terra.com/ - e um novo email - email@research-terra.com.

O projeto research-Terra começou por ser uma simples página de internet que continha apenas alguns títulos de teses desenvolvidas sobre a construção com terra, restringindo-se a alguns países da Europa. Hoje, graças à participação de muitos leitores que nos enviaram amavelmente informação, contamos com uma lista de trabalhos realizados em 16 países espalhados do mundo. Adicionalmente, o research-Terra encontra-se em fase de expansão para incorporar outros aspetos relacionados com a construção em terra no mundo.

No futuro, esperamos funcionar numa plataforma que, para além de ligações, possa também alojar os mais variados documentos e bibliografia para que o conhecimento seja diretamente acessível a todos.

A equipa do projeto research-Terra está de momento a trabalhar para tornar esta plataforma NA ferramenta de referência para todos os interessados e envolvidos na temática da construção em terra. Como tal, mesmo sendo ainda um trabalho em progresso, incluímos já novas funcionalidades e recursos na nossa página – nomeadamente perfis de profissionais ligados à terra e imagens de construção em terra pelo mundo. O objetivo é facilitar o encontro de pessoas e especialidades nesta área.

Caso desejo ter o seu perfil adicionado à página do research-Terra, assim como enviar fotografias, poderá fazê-lo seguindo as instruções presentes no website.

Como sempre, contamos consigo para tornar possível o objetivo de unir a investigação com a prática profissional da terra num só sítio. Tudo o que precisa fazer é enviar-nos a informação que gostaria de ver online, seguindo as instruções disponíveis no site.

Acreditamos que, com a sua colaboração, este pode ser o começo de algo muito interessante!

De seguida encontra-se uma breve descrição de características da research-Terra:

Novos recursos

IMAGES - IMAGENS - edifícios de terra em imagens:

Sabe-se que existem diversas formas de usar a terra como material de construção. Deste modo, esta página tem a intenção de criar álbuns de fotografias divididos por países. Pretendemos expor exemplos de construções em terra espalhadas pelo mundo, no qual poderá participar enviando as suas fotos!

PROFILES – PERFIS - Perfis curtos de pessoas envolvidas na construção em terra:

A fim de complementar a secção já existente de grupos de investigação, adicionámos os perfis contendo um resumo das atividades levadas a cabo por pessoas relacionadas com a construção em terra (profissionais, de caráter académico, etc.). Se assim o desejar, poderá ter seu nome adicionado à lista de perfis - ver como na página de perfis.

Apesar de acreditarmos que o seu perfil em Inglês seria compreendido por um público mais alrgado, poderá enviar-nos o perfil na língua que entender ser a mais apropriada.

Recursos existentes

RESEARCH – INVESTIGAÇÃO: Um dos objetivos principais do research-Terra é ainda o de promover e divulgar a pesquisa sobre a construção em terra feita pelo mundo. Por este motivo, a sua contribuição continua a ser fundamental. Caso tenha levado a cabo investigação de caráter académico sobre a construção em terra, pode adicionar o título da mesma à base de dados do research-Terra, usando as instruções disponíveis no website. O mesmo se aplica às restantes páginas – RESEARCH GROUPS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, EVENTS e LINKS.

A equipa do research-Terra deseja agradecer a sua colaboração!

research-Terra - new features!!

2011-07-16T11:03:00.002+01:00

Fellow readers,

Since it was first created, the Project research-terra has been growing considerably. We now have a new logo, a new URL - http://www.research-terra.com/ - and a new webmail - email@research-terra.com!

Research-Terra started has a simple website containing some titles of thesis on the various aspects of earthen construction developed by researchers in European countries. Today, research-Terra has not only expanded to include research from all over the world, but is also embracing all sorts of fronts in this field.

The research-terra project team is currently working towards making the webpage THE reference tool for all of those involved in earthen construction throughout the world. Therefore, we have included new features - namely profiles and photos - which will provide a bigger picture of what is taking place within the earthen building community worldwide.

As before, we are counting on you to make this possible! All you have to do is send us the information you would like to see online, by following the instructions available on the website.

It is still a work in progress, however, we believe that, with your help, this can be the start of something interesting!

Here is a short description of research-Terra’s features:

New features

IMAGES - Earthen buildings in pictures:

It is known that there are many forms of using earth as a building material. Following that, this page intends to create photo albums divided by countries to show examples of earthen buildings throughout the world. You can participate by sending your photos!

PROFILES - Short profiles of people involved in earthen construction:

In order to complement the already existing section of research groups we have added profiles with a summary of people’s activities related to earthen construction. You can have your name added to the list as well – see how on the profiles page.

Although we believe that your profile in English would be comprehended by a larger audience, you are free to send us your profile in your native language.

Existing features

RESEARCH: One of research-Terra’s main goal is still to promote and disseminate the research on earthen construction, for this reason, the RESEARCH page still requires your contribution. If you have done academic research on earthen construction, access this page to see how you can add this information to the website. The same goes for the other pages - RESEARCH GROUPS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, EVENTS, and LINKS.

We look forward to receiving your input.

The research-Terra team wishes to thank you for your cooperation!

Two articles worth reading - Slum upgrading

2011-07-12T10:49:00.001+01:00

Two articles worth reading.

Source: Slum Dwellers International (SDI)

Between the “informal” and the “formal”: Slum upgrading in South Africa
June 28th, 2011
By Benjamin Bradlow, SDI secretariat
Building a bridge between the “informal” and the “formal”

In January, the South African SDI Alliance affirmed a vision to build city-wide networks of informal settlement communities that mobilize to upgrade their settlements. Nearly six months later, about 30 representatives of the Alliance partners — the Informal Settlement Network (ISN), Federation of the Urban and Rural Poor (FEDUP), Community Organisation Resource Centre (CORC), iKhayalami, and uTshani Fund — met in Cape Town to reflect on the upgrading work that has been accomplished thus far. (read more...)

_______________________

Source: UN-HABITAT

Understanding of residents’ needs and aspirations central to slum upgrading, say urban practitioners
Nairobi, 1 Jul 11

Local and international actors working on slum upgrading have emphasised the importance of understanding the wide range of views of residents when working to improve the standard of living in urban areas.

The comments were made at an international meeting called 'Change by Design' which was held at the UN Headquarters in Nairobi in June, and co-organised by Architecture Sans Frontieres UK (ASF-UK), The Pamoja Trust, and UN-HABITAT's Housing Policy Section. The event is part of UN-HABITAT's Shelter Initiative for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (SICCMA) which aims to contribute to the development of affordable housing that is also sensitive to the environment and social and cultural advancement.

More than 100 participants, including 25 international experts and architecture practitioners, participated in the one-day symposium which focused on the institutional, urban and architectural opportunities and constraints to developing participatory community-led slum upgrading programmes. (read more...)

Eco-cities: who can afford them?

2011-07-11T23:19:00.003+01:00

via: eco-mobility.tv

A Tour of Europe’s Eco-cities

'Are you torn between living green and living in the heart of the city? Now you can do both! Take a tour of Europe's eco-cities, starting with Stockholm's trendy neighborhood of Hammerby Sjostad, along with London and its BedZed, and finish with IssyGrid, the first French smart grid project. Ready for the ride?'

It is known that cities are a major source of CO2 emissions, much of it directly or indirectly involved with the built environment. This fact has been contributing for a definite shift in the mindset of those living and building the cities. The increasingly higher numbers of environmentally conscious housing developments, such as the ones shown on the video are proof of that.

However, something is often not mentioned but can be easily picked up from these sorts of videos/articles/interviews. The fact is that, in order to be able to live in these ‘eco-cities’ (or eco/green/bio/sustainable cities...) one usually has to pay a considerable high price.

The truth is that it has become fashionable to live in a place like Bed Zed. Those who are not lucky enough to own a house there can get a glimpse of the place through guided tours! According to the bioregional website ‘thousands of people visit BedZED every year’ (Opening hours are from 9.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays), and I am sure the same happens in other places such as this.

Apparently, and according to THIS article, 'Research has shown that buyers are willing to pay up to a 20% premium for innovative design and green features such as those at BedZED'.Why? Well, maybe because 'the average BedZED resident still presently releases a massive 56% less carbon dioxide than the average English citizen' the same article states...

Of course, overall, these housing developments certainly have many positive outcomes, but I cannot help wondering just how this fact fits in the sustainability agenda. Sustainable cities, YES, but for whom?

3 years!

2011-07-11T07:02:00.004+01:00

Three years have passed and it still seems like yesterday that I posted here for the first time.
20 000 visits from all over the world may not seem much (I have seen blogs with much more than that!), but it is certainly enough to keep me going :) And I have you to thank for that.
This year will be a very exciting one to post: as I head towards the final stage of my research I will spend some time in Ghana and Angola from September and hopefully will also start sharing thoughts, ideas and pictures on the construction of my own little earthen house in Portugal... So, please do stop by, your visit is, as always, more than welcome!
See you soon!!

Solar Sinter 3D-printing machine - video

2011-07-08T20:08:00.000+01:00

via: Dezeen.com

German designer Markus Kayser has built a 3D-printing machine that uses sunlight and sand to make glass objects in the desert.

Called The Solar Sinter, the device uses a large Fresnel lens to focus a beam of sunlight, creating temperatures between 1400 and 1600 degrees Celsius. This is hot enough to melt silica sand and build up glass shapes, layer by layer, inside a box of sand mounted under the lens. Solar-powered motors move the box on an x and y axis along a computer-controlled path and a new layer of sand is sprinkled on top after each pass of the light beam. Light sensors track the sun as it moves across the sky and the whole machine rotates on its base to ensure the lens is always producing the optimum level of heat. Once all the layers have been melted into place the piece is allowed to cool and dug out from the sand box. Kayser developed the project while studying on the MA Design Products course at the Royal College of Art.

Sustainable Building Practices in Botswana - boidus.co.bw

2011-07-07T22:01:00.001+01:00

I have just come across the website boidus.co.bw, which is a network and platform of discussion of architecture in Botswana.

Amongst other interesting articles, you can find a 3 part essay on the subject of sustainability in the built environment, focusing on the context of Botswana. With these articles the author intends to 'continue discussions that have been started by G. Manowe (writing for Sunday Standard) on the subject of sustainability in the built environment.'. He further discusses 'sustainability in the context of buildings and settlements as; building processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle; from sitting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition (Green Building, MIT).'

The author addresses issues of Climatic Elements, Building Design and Measuring Sustainability; International Rating Schemes.

In case this subject interest you, here are the links for all 3 parts of the essay.

Sustainable Building Practices in Botswana: Part 1
Sustainable Building Practices in Botswana: Part 2
Sustainable Building Practices in Botswana: Part 3

A few days in sunny France...

2011-07-05T22:34:00.001+01:00

A deserved break :)

Ecovillages and Sustainable Living Conference 2011 - Portugal

2011-07-03T11:07:00.001+01:00

This year the Ecovillages and Sustainable Living Conference will take place in the South of Portugal, in a wonderful ecovillage called Tamera. Having been there before, I strongly recommend attending, not only for the conference itself (which I imagine should be quite interesting), but also to enjoy the experience of spending some time in an idyllic place! Since I have spent a week there, a few years ago, I have been telling myself that I must repeat the experience. Unfortunately it will not be this time... Maybe next year.

Hope you can make it!

via: Global VIllage Network

7. Jul 2011 - 11. Jul 2011 in Tamera ( Portugal )

This conference will give participants a deeper understanding of cutting edge developments of the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), focusing on GEN-Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Opportunities will be provided to learn about and practice facilitation methods and pedagogies used during the conference (experiential learning, action learning, participatory learning, incorporating the wisdom and diversity of participants). This year there will be a special focus on the dimension of education.

Ecovillages act as research and training centres for sustainable development within wider society. The hosting Ecovillage of Tamera serves as a living example and field of practice for the themes of the conference.

The themes of this year’s conference include:
Collaborations for Sustainability – Inspirations from the Global Ecovillage Network
New developments in the Global Ecovillage Network, with a focus on Europe and Africa. In-depths exploration of Tamera’s solar village and water landscape in theory and practice.
Widening networks for Resilience – Broadening the concept of 'Ecovillage'
Transition of traditional villages to ecovillages. Interaction and cooperation with academia, social entrepreneurs and policy makers. Ecovillages and Transition Towns. Empowered Fundraising.
Education for Sustainability - GEN-Strategies
Ecovillage Design Education – Gaia Education. Presentation of the new two-year curriculum ‘Transition to Resilience – Learning Adventure for Change Agents’. Children and Youth.

The conference will be facilitated by Capra Carruba and a team.

The presenters and facilitators of workshops are : Kosha Anja Joubert ( South Africa, Germany and Scotland, UK ) , Macaco Tamerice ( Germany and Italy), Adama Ly ( Senegal ), Lua Bashala-Kekana ( Congo and South Africa ), Nara Petrovic ( Slovenia), John Croft ( Australia and Germany ), May East ( Scotland, UK and Brasil ). Other presenters to be confirmed…

Each day of the conference will start with lectures in the mornings, followed by mini-workshops in smaller groups to deepen one of the themes of the morning. There will be lots of opportunities to get to know the other participants and more informal exchange.
The Venue

Tamera in Southern Portugal is an international training and experimental site for the development of peace research villages and healing biotopes worldwide. Approximately 200 people live, work and study in Tamera. Tamera’s aim is to develop an example of a model for a non-violent co-existence of people and between people and nature.

Simple living is an important value in Tamera and the accommodation is mostly in dormitories and big tents with floors and beds. Some rooms with simple standard are available in the guest houses. All accommodation is within walking distance to the conference site.

The community kitchen in Tamera prepares vegan, organic meals with as many local and regional ingredients as possible.

For more information on fees and registration click HERE

Paul Jaquin's new book - Earth Building: History Science and Conservation

2011-06-28T23:30:00.000+01:00

Following his PhD on Analysis of historic rammed earth construction, Paul Jaquin has written the book Earth Building: History Science and Conservation. Although it will only be out in November it is already available to pre-order on Amazon.

Update on Research.Terra

2011-06-28T14:29:00.001+01:00

Just to let you know that the website Research.Terra has been updated with lots of new thesis on earthen construction. We now have roughly 120 titles from 14 different countries! Moreover, the bibliography list is getting longer and longer by the day.

As usual, if you are aware of any publication (thesis/book/paper, etc.) that is not yet on the website, please just let us know via research.terra@gmail.com.

Earthen buildings today...

2011-06-27T15:32:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago I have received a link to Patricio Arias new website, which made me think about what it meant to build with earth today.

Patricio Arias is an architect from Chile who is definitely amongst the group of very talented people – such as Rick Joy, Plano B, Martin Rauch, Marcelo Cortes (with whom he has worked) – looking at the current use of earthen materials as a product of our time and, therefore, bringing earth as a building material to the mainstream of the building industry.

Although I still struggle a bit with the concept of ‘contemporary earthen architecture’ (I shall leave this issue to a later post), I have to say that I have seen quite a lot of examples of buildings that would qualify as such. However, Patricio’s approach differs substantially from all of what is already out there.

I met Patricio in a conference last year and have been following his work ever since. I was able to witness his enormous passion for architecture in general and, in particular, for the way earth can be used to meet current needs and demands. Patricio Arias’ work reveals a deep understanding of both architectural space and the essence of building materials. Moreover, he makes a clear statement with his buildings by proclaiming to the world that it is possible to create extraordinary architecture with earth, using one or several of its many associated construction techniques. His architecture emerges from within its time and context, and reveals that, no matter what the future brings in terms of fashion or architectural styles, the same approach can be pursued and successfully accomplished.

As always, some criticism has also been made about the use of the main technique used by Patricio – tecnobarro (or quincha metalica). This was mostly to do with the introduction of steel as a structure for the earthen walls. Those who are more “purists” in what concerns the use of earth as building material often question the compatibility of earth with concrete or steel. In a way I can understand this concern, especially since there are complex chemical processes involved in the heat and humidity transfer of unbaked earthen materials. This is the reason why, for example, one usually combines natural insulating materials (such as cork or sheep wool) with earthen building elements. Nevertheless, I am not aware of any studies that have been carried out in order to test this theory. I had this same conversation with Patricio, who was very interested in finding out whether the thermal performance of the buildings he designs is in any way influenced by the use of steel.

In addition to the thermal performance, I would probably add a very current issue – the ecological footprint and environmental impact of quincha buildings. Apparently, the overall sustainability of these buildings may be somewhat compromised, due to the energy intensive overall construction process (when compared to traditional earthen building techniques). Not only some of the materials have a high embodied energy, but also mechanical methods are used throughout.

Again, I am certainly not an expert in this type of earthen technology, nor can I refer to any study that has been carried out to share some light on this particular subject; however, one has to wonder about the viability of applying this technique to other, perhaps not so resourceful, contexts.

While some features may be questioned, others are without a doubt, very positive. This consists of a very effective seismic resistant construction. Once more, I refer to what Patricio stated himself after the last major earthquake in Chile: his houses were not affected, whereas others have literally crumbled apart.

In my opinion, we do not always have to have a definite answer or solution for every problem encountered, there is no such thing as a universal thruth... Patricio’s buildings are incredibly interesting and appealing as architectural objects. One cannot help but feeling fascinated by them. Further to this, they bear witness to the immense possibilities and flexibility of this building material and probably are providing a view into what the future of earthen materials will be.

The main question raised here, which can easily be applied to a more general architectural universe, is whether or not the future of earthen buildings will still be one of sustainability above all? By employing mechanical processes, are we contributing towards the increase of CO2 emissions? Will that also mean that earthen buildings will not be as low-cost as they are known for? Who will be able to afford these high-quality earthen houses?

On the other hand, I can also envisage a myriad of positive aspects arising from the combination of modern technologies with such an ancient building material. One only has to look at the photos below to understand that the preconceived ideas that usually associate earth with backwardness and poorness are indeed obsolete. And this, my fellow readers, the social perception, has been the paramount obstacle against the use of earthen materials today.

For this reason, and just to conclude for today, it is my belief that if it takes a bit of a compromise in order for people to accept once and for all that “earthen architecture” is just Architecture, then I am not against some kind of hybrid approach, where one can make use of the good natural features of earth and today’s technological advances in the field of architecture and engineering.

See you soon!

Some examples of buildings designed by Patricio Arias. All images have been sourced from his website http://www.patricioarias.cl/Index.php/

Oxford Brookes University - End of the Year Show 2011

2011-06-22T16:45:00.003+01:00

Like every year, Oxford Brookes - School of the Built Environment - and the students have organised an exhibition with the work developed throughout the academic year, in which the research students also participated.

A few of us thus got together to design and build a panel to display some of the work currently being developed by the research students. Although we did not have any fancy 3d images of building projects, the intention was to somehow convey the idea that research is not necessarily boring, as many tend to think, and can actually be quite exciting. The general feedback was quite positive, so hopefully we were successful...

The authors and respective titles of the work displayed in our area were the following:

Aliye Mentesh - Sustainable tourism-led rural regeneration as a tool for conserving cultural heritage and architectural traditions: the case of Cyprus in its regional context
Célia Macedo - The use of earthen construction for sustainable dwellings in Angola
Julia Wedel - The impact of power differentials on adaptive opportunities in the context of water scarcity in an informal settlement in Lima, Peru
Makbule Oktay - Place Attachment and Perception of Home in Rural Settlements of northern Cyprus: Adaptation after Internal Displacement
Sofia Aleixo - Historic School buildings Conservation: impact of adaptation to new Education needs in the heritage value
Susanne Dahm - The role of local facilities in fostering social interaction in suburban housing developments in England

There are many other students, carrying out interesting research, whose work was not represented at the exhibition. In case you are interested to know a bit more about their work click HERE.

The exhibition was open from the 7th until 17th June in Oxford and is now moving to London - details HERE.

Overall, adding to the positive experience, it was good to focus our attention on something that does not involve reading or writing for a change. I am already looking forward to the exhibition next year, which, if all goes well, will also be the final year of my PhD!

If you would like to look at a sample of the work developed here at Oxford Brookes in the School of the Built Environment just download the Yearbook 2011 available from Brookes website.

Where to?

2011-06-15T17:11:00.000+01:00

The roof has not yet been blown away by the wind. Lately I have been giving a lot of thought into what exactly should go on these pages following the 3rd anniversary of the roof above my head. Although the main driver behind its initial posts was indeed earthen construction - as well as other natural building technologies - somehow the passive role of simply promoting events, publications and so on, does not seem as fulfilling as before. Not that I think that there is anything wrong with providing this information to readers, however, to be honest, I feel that this should now be complemented with a more personal touch.

In fact, since I initiated my research, my interests have been shifting a bit from looking at earthen building technology as an isolated topic, to embrace all sorts of socio-cultural, economic and environmental implications of its use, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, although the promotion of events is always a good reason to post, in the future I will mostly try to use this platform to critically approach projects, thoughts, ideas, concepts, etc., more in line with the above-mentioned. Hope you enjoy stopping by!

See you soon!

25 de Abril

2011-04-25T13:24:00.000+01:00

1974-2011

Viva a Liberdade!

Earth USA 2011

2011-03-03T07:38:00.000Z

Earth USA 2011 will take place September 30, October 1 and 2, 2011 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico - USA.

This is the Sixth International Earthbuilding Conference sponsored by Earth USA (emerging from the Adobe Association of the Southwest), the Adobe Construction Program of Northern New Mexico College, the National Hispanic Cultural Center and Adobe in Action.

Earth USA 2011 indicates a wider field of interest than previous conferences and will include adobe, rammed earth, compressed earth block: CEB, and monolithic adobe: cob. Any material or method that uses clay as a binder is considered.

Paper subject categories are:

Historic buildings and cities including their stabilization, preservation and conservation
Education and information transfer including codes, norms and regulations
Physical and thermal properties of materials and structures including seismic, flood and storm resistance
Construction methods
New architecture and construction projects including renovation, modernization and re-purposing of existing buildings
Poster session

Submit your abstract as an e-mail attachment in .DOC format no later than May 3, 2011. Please address your e-mail to:

Quentin Wilson, Speakers Committee
earthusa.org@gmail.com

For more information and to download the abstract template visit:
www.earthusa.org

Conference Languages:

Spanish and English: Simultaneous translation of presentations from the podium is not anticipated without surprise funding sources. Papers will be printed in the 2011 Conference Proceedings in the language received. Papers received with translations will be printed in both languages. PowerPoint presentations are encouraged to be labeled in both languages.

Conference Fee:

Conference registration will cost $185 USD for a 2-day pass (Sept. 30 & Oct. 1) with a reduced price for students. Authors and presenters also pay the registration fee. Earth USA 2011 is a small conference with few financial resources. A one-day tour to local earthbuilding sites will be available on Sunday, Oct. 2 with the cost still to be determined. Four and five-day earthbuilding courses and workshops are being planned from October 3 through 7 and will include topics such as basic adobe construction; rammed earth construction; arch,vault and dome construction and lime plasters.

Accommodations:

Hotels with special rates will be announced shortly. Early hotel reservations are advised since the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is running parallel to the conference. Campers might consider the Rio Bravo State Park south of the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Isleta Boulevard. Meals will be available at La Fonda del Bosque - the restaurant on site at the National Hispanic Center. Other restaurants can be found in the immediate area.

More courses on sustainable building techniques - Portugal

2011-02-28T20:58:00.002Z

Fancy a trip to Portugal to learn about sustainable construction techniques? TerraCrua Workshops is organising several courses between 19th March and 17th June.

Programme:

- 19th & 20th March - Manufacture and adobe construction Manufacture of adobe bricks, building walls and other structures.

- 26th &27th March - Construction of oven.
We will build a furnace 2mts in diameter, using clay and old tiles.

- 9th & 10th April - Construction in COB Grout and construction of a structure in Cob. We will also work on a rocket stove.

- 30th April &1st May - Adobe Construction 2 Manufacture and adobe construction.
We will build a dome and an arch.

- 7th & 8th May - Sands, plaster, clay and mortar Select sand and clay, several mortars for various purposes. Plasters, adobe and cordwood, several mortars and plasters. Lime vs Cement Straw, sawdust and cork in mortar

- 28th, 29th & 30th May - Oven & Bread Day 28th - Workshop on homemade bread

- Days 29th & 30th - Construction of oven

- 18th & 19th June - cordwood and bottles We will build a cordwood and bottles wall , with plaster of sand and lime

-Location: Vale dos Coiços, Góis

-Price: € 40 per workshop, except OVEN & bread, which is € 50

Includes camping area, basic structures such as shower and dry toilet; -Includes lunch and dinner on day of workshops;

-Confirmed Participants must arrive the day before the workshop to set up camp;
Further information and registration: oficinasdaterracrua@gmail.com

Learning from nature - Bird's earth nest

2011-02-27T10:35:00.001Z

Wonderful slideshow showing a bird building its nest out of earth. Could not resist and had to post this on my blog... Enjoy!

Upcoming earthen construction courses/workshops/conferences

2011-02-25T22:40:00.000Z

Conferencias LA TIERRA CRUDA: un material de construcción actual
ENTRADA LIBRE - Se entregará certificado de asistencia
Programa:

Miércoles 16/03
9-10. Fuentes documentales para su difusión e investigación. Mercedes Ponce.
10-11.30. Adobes y entramados: caracterización y aplicación. Ana González.
12-13.30. Tapia: caracterización y aplicación. Jacinto Canivell.
13.30. Mesa redonda

Miércoles 23/03
9-11. El revoco: caracterización y aplicación. Laurent Conquemont.
11.30-13.30. La construcción actual con tierra cruda. El caso portugués y español. Francisco Seixas.
13.30. Mesa redonda
Salón de actos de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Sevilla.

Av. de Reina Mercedes. Sevilla, España.

__________________________________________

TALLER INTERNACIONAL DE ARQUITECTURA SOSTENIBLE CON TIERRA

realizarse en Subachoque, Colombia.

Marzo 11 al 20 de 2011

El taller se programo dos fines de semana, 6 días y 48 horas de vivencia practica....durante el taller realizaremos practicas de las siguientes tecnicas:

1- BOVEDAS MEXICANAS

2 -PRODUCCION DE BTC

3- BAHAREQUE PREFABRICADO

El valor del taller en pesos colombianos es de $580.000 el equivalente a 320 dólares.

Este valor incluye, la transferencia del conocimiento, seguro de accidentes, materiales de construcción, equipo de trabajo, herramientas, certificado y transporte local, desde Bogota hasta la obra en SUBACHOQUE (38 Kms de Bogotá/ Dpto. Cundinamarca/ COLOMBIA).

Esta dirigido por el Bovedero Maxiano Arq. Ramon Aguirre, y estará presente un maestro especialista en Bóvedas. la coordinación será realizada por la Arq. Lucia E. Garzón, en la alianza profesional de dos expertos de la red PROTERRA, entidad que respalda este taller.

Para mayor información pueden escribirnos y desde allí se les entregara mayor ilustración con la preinscripción en el correo electrónico tallerarquitecturatierra@gmail.com
________________________________________

TALLER CONSTRUCCIÓN CON TIERRA - Valencia, España
29/4 - 1/5/2011

via: http://www.arquitecnicaruzafa.com/sala/actividades/taller-construcci-n-con-tierra

Organiza: Arquitécnica Ruzafa

Impartido por: Laurent Coquemont: Técnico formador, especializado en construcción en tierra y bioconstrucción, conservación del patrimonio en tierra y en formulación y aplicación de hormigones y morteros de cal. Formador especializado en cursos certificados de construcción con tierra. Formador oficial del museo de la cal de Morón

Contenido:

Presentación de la construcción con tierra por los tiempos y el mundo Construcción contemporánea en tierra y técnicas.

Adobe, BTC

Práctica de tapial

Presentación en Valencia del libro "Arquitecturas de Tapia" de Fermín Font Presentación del documental " La tierra asoma. Amayuelas"

Horario: Viernes y sábado de 9:00 a 14:00 y de 16:00 a 20:00 y domingo de 9:00 a 15:00 h.

Cuota de inscripción: 220 € incluye comidas (opcional vegetariano) Observaciones precio: plus 50 € si se incluye alojamiento nº mínimo alumnos:15 nº máximo alumnos:22

Más información e inscripciones: e-mail: info@arquitecnicaruzafa.com Tel. y Fax: 0034 96 3801527

BBC Human Planet - Mali mud mosque

2011-02-25T11:56:00.001Z

Clip from BBC series Human Planet - Rivers.

Mali mud mosque

'The biggest and oldest mud building in the world needs a fresh coat of river mud. Once the mud is the right consistency, the whole town of Djenne mucks in for this annual event.'

Strawbale house growing...

2011-02-25T11:18:00.000Z

Construction process of a strawbale house. From the blog ourstrawbalehouse.blogspot.com

All images were sourced from: http://ourstrawbalehouse.blogspot.com/

There is something fascinating about building with natural building materials... Straw is no exception.

Having built with straw before, I have to say that this material is definitely amongst the most enjoyable to worked with!
I am not sure if the first people who first started to use straw for construction purposes, roughly 150 or 200, years ago ever imagined that this material would be used as often as it is today. The "movement" of straw bale builders is definitely gaining momentum and I would say that the prospects are looking very positive for the future of this material.
Low environmental impact, energy efficiency due to high insulation, and recyclable building elements are only a few of the many features of sustainable construction of straw bale buildings.

I took all the images above from the blog Our Straw House, where you can follow the construction process of a straw bale house, from day one. Have a look and get inspired!

Ier Encuentro Nacional de Constructores Tradicionales con Tierra y Alternativas Sustentables

2011-02-23T11:29:00.001Z

Ier ENCUENTRO NACIONAL DE CONSTRUCTORES TRADICIONALES CON TIERRA Y ALTERNATIVAS SUSTENTABLES

Justificación:

Durante mucho tiempo en Venezuela los sistemas constructivos tradicionales con tierra han venido cayendo en desuso y su conocimiento ha desaparecido en la mayoría de nuestras ciudades. Lo mismo está ocurriendo en las comunidades rurales, como consecuencia de un paulatino abandono producido por la imposición de materiales industriales y técnicas constructivas modernas. Es por estas razones que planteamos realizar este encuentro de saberes para crear estrategias y soluciones.

Propuesta:

El encuentro se realizará en semana santa del 17 al 24 de abril, en la finca la Laguna, ubicada en la parroquia Chacantá, del municipio Arzobispo Chacón, del estado Mérida.

Objetivo general:

Convocar a maestros, artesanos e investigadores de los sistemas constructivos tradicionales con tierra a fin de diseñar estrategias para la recuperación de tales sistemas a traves del contacto directo con el saber popular, con el uso de las nuevas plataformas educativas y la experimentación de las nuevas tecnologías constructivas sustentables, recobrando las formas de organización popular y trabajo colectivo como herramienta para la autogestión.

Objetivos especificos: Actuar como centro de formación y actualización de sistemas constructivos alternativos. Fomentar la interrelación entre instituciones públicas y privadas dedicadas al desarrollo de los sistemas constructivos tradicionales y alternativos, asi como el intercambio de experiencias, el dialogo y la creación de nuevas alianzas entre los interesados. Divulgar los procesos formativos desarrollados en el Centro de Formación Lenin Y Gandhi. Estimular el desarrollo de los sistemas constructivos tradicionales y alternativos. Promover las formas de organización popular(convites, mano vueltas, cayapas) como estrategias para impulsar la autoconstrucción en comunidades rurales.

Actividades:

Invitar instituciones que contribuyan con los objetivos del encuentro. Ejecutar jornadas de formación (charlas, ponencias, conversatorios, videoforos) con los asistentes al encuentro. Realizar actividades de intercambio de conocimiento práctico (construccion de modulos de tapia, bahareque y adobe). Efectuar mesas de trabajo en areas específicas. Registro audiovisual y relatoría del encuentro. Exposición Didáctica de Tapia “Sonidos de la Tierra” en la Casa de la Cultura De Chacantá. Invitar a fabricantes de teja del Edo. Lara Diagnosticar el estado de los hornos de teja existentes en la parroquia Chacantá con tejeros del Edo. Lara. Generar una base de datos de maestros, artesanos e investigadores de sistemas constructivas con tierra asistentes al encuentro. Crear un manifiesto como resultado del encuentro.

Más información Aquí

Dutch Studygroup Earth construction

2011-02-19T12:41:00.000Z

via: arquitectureasdeterra

Dutch Studygroup Earth construction

Conference: 17th of March 2011 in Tilburg, in the southwest of the Netherlands.

It’s already 20 years ago that the first little modern house in the south of Holland was built in clay with some enthusiastic volunteers. This marks the beginning of several projects, workshops and publications about earth and earth construction in the Netherlands. Meanwhile there are several professional architects, builders and manufacturers specialised in earth construction. The Dutch Association for Integral Biological Architecture (VIBA) recently started the Dutch Workgroup on Earth Construction.

It has the aim to centralise and share the knowledge present nowadays, to organise excursions/workshops/seminars, to research and make publications, start a database, participate on an international level etc.

For more information contact Sjap Holst eco-design@arTchitecture.nl or Charles Thuijls info@leemwerk.nl.

The first coming big event of the DWEC is the Dutch National Conference on Building with Earth. Planned on the 17th of March 2011 in Tilburg, in the southwest of the Netherlands.

Gernot Minke will start the conference with a presentation about research and the qualities of clay. We’ll have several masterclasses about durability of clay, designing wit clay, large-scale clay construction, and the possibilities of mechanization.

On the site there will be several practical workshops during the day. For more information see www.sbr.nl/leembouwcongres.

EarthUSA 2011

2011-02-19T12:20:00.000Z

via: eartharchitecture.org

EarthUSA 2011 will be Sep 30, Oct 1 and 2. Location will be at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

This is the Sixth International Earthbuillding Conference sponsored by the Adobe Association of the Southwest and Northern New Mexico College. The National Hispanic Cultural Center and Adobe in Action will also be sponsors. The Adobe Association of the Southwest is expected to turn itself into Adobe USA.

EarthUSA 2011 indicates a wider field of interest than previous conferences and will include adobe, rammed earth, compressed earth block: CEB, and monolithic adobe: cob. Any material or method that uses clay to bind it together is considered.

Calendar:

May 3: Abstracts due

Jun 3: Acceptance notifications

Aug 5: Full Papers due

Sep 9: Proceedings go to press

Sep 30, Oct 1: Conference and Trade Fair

Oct 2: Tour

Oct 3 -7: Classes, Workshops

Oct 1 - 9: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Categories/Themes:

1. Contemporary earthen architecture, construction and engineering

2. Historical buildings, farms, villages and cities including cultural connotations

3. Conservation, Preservation, Replication, Remodeling, Modernizing, Re-purposing

4. The role of earthen materials in heating, cooling, sustainable, ecological, renewable and green design

5. Codes, norms, building methods, material science, seismic considerations

6. Earthbuilding education and technology transfer

7. Marketing strategies for earthen materials in the modern world

Conference Languages:

Spanish and English

Papers will be printed in the Conference Proceedings in the language received. Papers received with translations will be printed in both languages PowerPoint presentations are encouraged to be labeled in both languages.

Costs:

The Conference Registration will cost $185 USD with reduction for students. Authors and presenters also pay the registration fee. EarthUSA 2011 is a small conference with few financial resources. A one-day tour will be available Sunday for local earthbuilding sites the cost to be determined. Four and five-day courses and workshops October 3 through 7 are being planned and will include basic adobe construction; rammed earth construction; and arch,vault and dome construction.

LEHM 2012

2011-02-19T12:13:00.000Z

via: eartharchitecture.org

Every four years the Dachverband Lehm e.V., the German Association for Building with Earth, organises an international conference and trade fair on building with earth in a different earth building region in Germany together with an excursion in the region.

We are pleased to announce that the LEHM 2012, the 6th International Conference on Building with Earth, organised by the Dachverband Lehm e.V. will take place from 5 – 7 October 2012 in Weimar, the birthplace of the Bauhaus and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The LEHM 2012 will encompass the conference with presentations and poster session on 5 – 6 October 2012 and an excursion on 7 October 2012. The conference programme will cover the following topics:

-Earth building norms and regulations
-Current research in earth building
-Training and education in earth building
-Sustainability in earth building
-Contemporary earth building
-Earth building in renovation

The presentations, papers and poster session contributions will be published in the conference proceedings to accompany the conference. The ‘Call for Papers’ opens in April 2011.

Earth: The Pale Blue Dot

2011-02-14T08:22:00.000Z

Something different. via: a barriga de um arquitecto

EARTH: The Pale Blue Dot from Michael Marantz on Vimeo.

Wind Turbine Bridge Transforms Italian Viaduct Into Public Space

2011-02-06T11:11:00.000Z

Via: Inhabitat

by Lori Zimmer, 02/05/11

A bridge that repurposes abandoned viaducts, produces energy AND looks futuristically sleek? Yes, it can be true, and it is Italy’s proposed Wind Turbine Viaduct called “Solar Wind.” Southern Italy is dotted with unused viaducts, and rather than spending $50 million to tear them down, town officials near Calabria held a competition called “Solar Park South,” open to designers and engineers asking them to come up with an environmentally conscious way to re-use the existing structures.

Full article HERE

Segundo taller de construcción natural - Argentina

2011-02-06T10:53:00.004Z

Más información sobre el costo y el registro AQUÍ

FECHA:
del 8 al 10 de Abril de 2011

COMIENZA:
viernes 8 de Abril a las 9:00 hs.

FINALIZA:
domingo 10 de Abril a las 18:00 hs.

LUGAR:
Centro de Produccion multiple, Tierra del fuego 2650, Spurr. Bahía Blanca, Argentina.

CAPACITADORES:
El Taller será facilitado por Damián Cárdena, Constructor Natural y Permacultor. Alumnos y colaborador del Constructor y Maestro Jorge Belanko.

LOS TEMAS A ABORDAR SERÁN LOS SIGUIENTES:
_ Introducción a la construcción natural
_ Construcción con tierra
_ Ensayos de identificación y análisis de suelo
_ Relevamiento, selección y acopio de materiales
_ La mezcla ideal.
_ Mejorando las características del barro.
_ Estabilizantes, aditivos naturales.
_ Diseños, maquetas, planos.
_ Replanteo de obra.
_ Sistema solar pasivo, calefacción, refrigeración, termicidad e inercia térmica.
_ Ubicación de la vivienda en el terreno.
_ Técnicas de construcción.
_ Pinturas y otros revestimientos naturales.

En el predio se construirá un recinto de 10mts de largo por 6 mts. de ancho en el que se emplearán todas las técnicas posibles, teniendo en cuenta los materiales que se encuentran en la zona.
Más información sobre el costo y el registro AQUÍ

7th. European Straw Bale Gathering 2011

2011-02-06T10:23:00.001Z

7th. European Straw Bale Gathering

23rd-27th August 2011

Bouzov Podoli, Czech Republic

13-20/8 Straw bale building workshop

Tuesday 23/8 8-16:00 Optional bus tour

Tuesday 17:00 Start of ESBG. Social evening with music.

Wednesday Hands on workshops during day, plenum evaluation and social slide show evening.

Thursday “Open Space”: Sharing of information in large and small groups; further development of topics through evening “World Café”, leading to work groups.

Friday Conference, press meeting and concert.

Saturday 4th National Natural Building Celebration, a joyful mix of trade fair, hands-on workshops, music and presentations. 16:00 Closing circle of ESBG. Camp fire evening

Sunday 28/8 1st National ‘Open Door’ day of residential straw 10-17:00 bale homes

ESBG 2011 Price:

From 15/02 until 15/03: 150 Euro
From 15/03 until 01/07: 200 Euro
From 01/07 until 23/08: 240 Euro

Fee includes program, materials, meals etc. but does not include transport or accommodation.

Upcoming courses/workshops

2011-02-05T23:53:00.002Z

via: http://www.earthenhand.com/workshops.html#HouseDesign

(more courses on the webpage)

Earthen House Design

This class is now two days long

10am-3pm, Feb 26th-27th
Portland, Oregon

Taught by Scott Howard. Participants will design a house of their choice that uses earthen building techniques. With a combination of models, sketches, and drawings, this class will cover the basics of what you need to know to design a small earthen building and how to think like a builder. Discussions and slideshows will cover: passive solar, engineering calculations, drawing/sculpting to scale, designing comfortable human spaces, various earthen building methods, project planning, and permits.

This event will be held at the planet repair headquarters. please see: http://planetrepair.wordpress.com/events/

Tuition = $160 payable to Earthen Hand. Bring your own lunch.

Preregistration is required. Email us at workshops@earthenhand.com. to begin registration.

__________________

Cob Oven Workshop in Puerto Rico

February 26th-27th
Taught by Scott Howard and friends. Learn How to build an oven from mostly earthen materials in under two days! Learn the basics of Cob, earthen plasters, and earthen paints. Decorate the oven as a group artwork. Lectures and slideshows as well. Wonderful setting, nice people, great food.

Tuition = $260 payable to Earthen Hand. Includes all meals, camping, indoor showers and bathroom.
Preregistration is required. Email us at workshops@earthenhand.com. to begin registration.

__________________

Earthen Paints

- Get Dirty! Create Your Own Earthen Paints

10am- 2pm, March 20th

Portland, Oregon
Taught by Scott Howard. Create durable, beautiful, inexpensive paints to enhance your home. Earthen paints are non-toxic, easy to apply, easy to maintain, and are planet friendly. A great way to cover up drywall. Half the cost of conventional paint. This hands-on class includes explanation of a variety earthen building methods.

Tuition = $70 payable to Earthen Hand. Bring your own lunch.
Preregistration is required. Email us at workshops@earthenhand.com. to begin registration.

____________________

Earthbag Building Basics

at the Portland Healing Arts Resource Project

10am-4pm, March 26th-27th

Portland, Oregon
Taught by Scott Howard and friends. Learn How to build walls using the Earthbag technique, a form of rammed earth. Although much faster than Cob wall construction, the end result can look identical. Learn a bit about Cob and earthen plasters as well. We will be building a small Kiln House at The Portland Healing Arts Resource Project. Pdx HARP is dedicated to heightening awareness of our local resources and empowering the community with knowledge, to help each of us to relearn that our health is in our hands.
Tuition = $220 payable to Earthen Hand. Includes lunches.

Preregistration is required. Email us at workshops@earthenhand.com. to begin registration.

_____________________________________________

via: Earthenbuilt.com

2011 Construction internship - Canada
This will be a very exciting year for Earthen Built! Come be a part of it.
Mission:
Our goal is to offer a comprehensive program that will empower our interns and give them the confidence they need to continue on with and move forward in natural building and homesteading skills. With workshops and guest teachers brought in through the season, this Natural Building and Homesteading Internship is sure to provide many great opportunities for learning and gaining hands-on experience.

We are enriched as individuals and as a culture through every connection we make outside of ourselves. Through developing skills and knowledge that deepen our connection to the land we live on, the home we live in, and the community we are a part of, we are strengthening our joint efforts in enriching life for all.

Areas to be covered:
Be prepared for a grand variety of opportunities in both building and homesteading.
Some areas that will be covered include, and not limited to:

carpentry
foundations
light clay infill
cob
sculpture and artistic embellishments
clay and lime plasters
group design projects
exposure to animal care: sheep, chickens, turkeys, pigs, and ducks
organic gardening with permaculture skills
aquaculture installation
food forest installation
market gardening
bee keeping
food precessing, preservation, and fermentation
bread baking
taking the farm to the market
communication and team work
Time Commitment:

The majority of the internship program will focus on natural building, with about 1/3 of the time being given to the other aspects of life on the farm. There is some flexibility available to accommodate the learning desires of individuals as passions are discovered.

6 Month Option

Arrive Tuesday April 12th
Orientation April 12th – 14th
Kick-start with Mandala Garden Workshop April 15th – 17th
Regular programming begins Tue April 19th
Ending Celebration Wed. Oct. 12th
Departures Thur. Oct. 13th
3 Month Option
Arrive Wednesday May 18th
Orientation May 18th-20th
Kick-start with Country Cook-off May 21st-22nd
Regular programming begins Tue May 24th
Ending Celebration Mon. Aug. 15th
Departures Tue. Aug. 16th

Cost:3 Month Option: $ 5,100
6 Month Option: $ 10,100

Most of the workshops are available at no extra cost to interns. There may be some special workshops with guest teachers that may be extra.
Field trips to visit other natural buildings and farms in the area are included in the fees.
The PDC is not included in the internship, though interns will be given a discounted rate.
Some work-trade may be available based on need.

If this sounds like you and you are interested in taking this program, please don’t hesitate to send us an email requesting an application form. Click here to go directly to the contact page.

_____________________________________________

via: Aprovecho

Natural Building Apprenticeship
Oregon, USA

Spring Session 2/28-6/1, Summer Session 7/25-11/3
The Natural Building Apprenticeship Program (NBAP) is a three month work-study designed for the beginner in natural building. Time is spent between work, hands-on instruction, and independent study. The participant will receive exposure to the wide gamut of techniques that natural building has to offer.

_____________________________________________

via: Laboa.org

workshop - "BUILDING WITH STRAW BALE from design to construction" - Italy

5th March 2011 - 9.30am - 5.30pm
Lambrugo (CO) in the multipurpose room of VillaMalvina

Cost:
€ 150 includes teaching, course materials, coffee breaks and lunch vegetarian.

All members will be given the book "Building with straw bales" B. Jones
For information on courses: casadipaglia@hotmail.com

_____________________________________________

via: Canelo project
StrawBale Comprehensive - taught by Bill & Athena Steen
Arizona, Canelo community

April 16-23, 2011
(7pm Saturday- 3pm Saturday)

cost $795 (includes lunches)
This week long course is intended for anyone seriously considering building a straw bale house. It is appropriate for those who want to do most of it by themselves or who would like to be well enough informed to make intelligent decisions during the design and build process. It will help each person define an approach that is uniquely based on his or her skill level, available time and resources.
Course Topics Include:

Bale Wall Systems
Roofs & Foundations
Doors & Windows
Moisture Issues
Pinning Options
Electrical & Plumbing
Interior Walls
Cob & Light/Clay Straw
Wall Finishes
Earth & Lime Plaster
Small - Efficient Design
Straw Bale Home Tour

LA TIERRA COMO MATERIAL: Inclusión del barro en el imaginario del diseño actual

2011-02-05T09:58:00.003Z

Thesis available online:

LA TIERRA COMO MATERIAL: Inclusión del barro en el imaginario del diseño actual

EARTH AS MATERIAL: Inclusion of mud in the imaginary of the current design

Nuñez, Silvia and Cuiñas, Carolina (2010) Tesis de Diseño Indutrial - Facultad de Diseño - Universidad de Buenos Aires.

Tesis de Diseño Indutrial - Facultad de Diseño - Universidad de Buenos Aires.

Resumen:La cantidad de recursos y materiales naturales que existen en el entorno hacen posible, que las personas puedan mejorar su calidad de vida y al mismo tiempo no dañen el medio ambiente donde se desarrollan. A pesar de que la construcción natural tiene una antigüedad de más de 10.000 años, en la actualidad se la considera un símbolo de precariedad y marginalidad relacionado con los sistemas modernos imperantes. La problemática que se presenta dentro del marco de esta tesina es la de incluir a este material dentro del imaginario del diseño en la actualidad. La investigación comienza analizando las posibilidades técnicas y simbólicas de la tierra como material en la producción de objetos de diseño industrial. De ésta forma, se recopila información desde la arquitectura, siendo éste el campo donde se ha desarrollado con mayor profundidad. Al ser un material explorado desde realidades artesanales y no tanto así desde procesos sistematizados, creemos que el diseño puede aportar nuevas posibilidades para el mismo en la actualidad. Como objetivo fundamental se plantea explorar nuevas formas productivas,identificando y aprovechando recursos y potencialidades endógenas de una comunidad y las tecnologías disponibles en ella. Asimismo, se busca dar una solución real a un objeto contenido dentro de un contexto particular y definido, mediante un producto, sus moldes y desarrollo productivo.

Abstract: The amount of natural resources and materials that can be found in the environment enable people to improve their life quality without harming it. Even though the natural construction dates 10.000 years ago, nowadays it is considered a symbol of precariousness and marginality if compared to the prevailing modern systems. The topic of this thesis is to include the earth as a material within the current design imaginary. The starting point of this investigation is the technical and symbolic possibilities of rammed earth in the production of objects in industrial design. Thus, data is collected from the architecture field, as this is the field where it has been developed most. Since this material has been explored more in handicraft than in series productions, we believe that design can provide new possibilities for it nowadays. The aim is not only to look into new productive processes, identifying and taking advantage of endogenous resources and potentialities as well as the available technologies, but also to look for a real solution to an object contained within a particular and definite context, through a product, its casts and productive development.

Sample pages from the thesis. Credits: Nuñez, Silvia and Cuiñas, Carolina (2010)

Conference: African Perspectives 2011

2011-01-26T12:02:00.001Z

I have just received an email with the latest information about the African Perspectives 2011 conference. The call for papers is now open!

From ArchiAfriKa Newsletter

This special edition of the ArchiAfrika newsletter brings to you the Call for Papers & Call for Pictures of the African Perspectives 2011 conference.

The focus of the 5th African Perspectives conference is the ‘African Metropolis’.

In recent decades, many cities on the African continent have experienced unprecedented urban growth. They are described as booming cities or mega-cities. Most of them make concerted efforts to pluralize their relationships with the larger world and with each other and to play an effective role within the network of leading metropolises. As such, they no longer function primarily only as political coordinators of national space or as the fulcrum of national economic productivity but exceed this role. This ‘metropolisation’ trend of the African city encompasses a two-fold process. It refers to changing positions and leveling up to enter a global urban system competition. This essentially relates to local processes of urbanization and urban experience, including the definition of new territorial boundaries and the emergence of new urban identities and centralities.

To read further please click on link provided:

http://www.archiafrika.org/files/AfricanPerspectives%202011_ENG.pdf

Vernacular Techniques in Iranian Sustainable Architecture

2011-01-26T00:32:00.001Z

Journal of Sustainable Development - Vol. 4, No. 1; February 2011

An Overview of Some Vernacular Techniques in Iranian Sustainable Architecture in Reference to Cisterns and Ice Houses

by: Amir Ghayour Kazemi & Amir Hossein Shirvani
Department of Architecture, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
The great Iranian tradition is as yet little known in the West and there is much to be learnt both from it and the building techniques which are integral with it. Meanwhile, Not only is the Iranian vernacular building tradition itself still alive, but there is much to be gained from the knowledge of a highly developed technology which makes such ingenious use of natural resources without the consumption of additional power. This article is a study of the craftsmanship involved in the construction of the mud brick vernacular architecture of Iran, and the cultural aspects of a traditional architecture which incorporates an understanding of buildings which dates back centuries. Expanding the existing knowledge of these earthen heritage properties, examining their behaviour in the local climate and explaining their current condition in order to express the need for the preservation of traditional craftsmanship as part of a sustainable conservation future are the other prominent concerns of this work. Among different Iranian Vernacular constructions, Ice-houses and cisterns are the subject of the main body of this article.

Keywords: Vernacular techniques, Sustainable architecture, Iran, Ice-Houses, Cisterns

Full article HERE

Conference in Marseille - 4 & 5 May 2011

2011-01-25T09:38:00.000Z

"To build out of earth: from the historical heritage to the contemporary architecture"

via: Terra Incognita

Organized collectively by the Ecole d'Avignon, within the framework of the Terra [In]cognita project, and by ICOMOS France, within the framework of its technical days, this conference will take place in Marseille, on May 4th and 5th, 2011, in the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d'Azur.

The first day will be dedicated to the results of the Terra [In]cognita project: European cartography of the earthen architecture and state of preservation, identified European professionals involved in the field. It will be the occasion for these actors to testify of their reflection, their researches and their realizations in the field of earthen construction and earthen heritage preservation, the purpose being to make them meet itself and exchange with the aim of the creation of a European network of earthen construction.

The second day will be dedicated to the preservation of the earthen architectural heritage in France, to its techniques, its innovative technologies, its fields of research, its know-how and the professionals involved in the field. It may however be the echo of international initiatives that will fuel debate and discussion on national approaches and practices.

Information concerning this conference will be available in February, 2010 HERE.

7 Week Natural Building Apprenticeship

2011-01-24T00:40:00.000Z

via: Natural Building Network

7 Week Natural Building Apprenticeship - June 12, 2011 to July 30, 2011

Jacksonville, OR

Instructor James Thomson, Lyida Doleman

http://housealive.org/descriptions/2011-apprenticeship

For the seventh straight year, House Alive! is offering an opportunity for people to get beyond the basics and experience an extended Natural Building apprenticeship. This popular, hands-on, intensive course is designed for people who want to use natural building skills in a professional context or who want to take extra time to work on skill development for their personal project. Participants will get first-hand experience with every aspect of building a natural home, from the foundation to the roof. Learning how to build a natural home is one of the best investments you can make: once you know how to design, build and shape your own living space, you can save many thousands of dollars in living costs.

This program will be almost exclusively “hands-on” learning. The apprenticeship program for 2011 offers 7 weeks of building, problem solving, designing and discussing all aspects of natural building, allowing you to take the time to develop new skills under the guidance of experienced natural builders.

Throughout the course we’ll be working on the different elements of building a small (about 200 sq. ft.) cob and straw-bale cabin from the ground up. Demonstrations and instruction will be given as needed to explain building techniques and design choices. Participants should expect full and exciting days.

The apprenticeship will take place at Full Bloom Farm, a developing intentional community and large organic farm in a beautiful, secluded valley in Southern Oregon. It is also the home of Rise Up Bakery, which provides delicious fresh bread from their wood-fired oven to businesses and residents in the area. The farm has 280 acres of meadow and forest, 2 creeks and a swimming pond.

Further information HERE and Here

A Berber Town House, Taroudant - Gervais de Bédée

2011-01-24T00:27:00.001Z

Earlier today I came across some wonderful photos of a Berber town house in Morocco, posted by Paul Gervais de Bédée on his blog. Those beautiful pictures reminded me of the wonderful time I spent in Morocco, where I have seen the most amazing earthen buildings, both in urban and rural areas. Wonderful country to visit!

Have a look at the photos and full post HERE

Meco's Press - structural earthen bricks

2011-01-19T10:54:00.000Z

via: Inhabitat

While on a Congolese mission with Doctors Without Borders, Thierry Perrocheau began working on the mechanical design for a portable, natural brick pressing machine. Now the CEO of Meco'concept, Perrocheau and his small team have designed a hydraulic press that transforms ordinary mud into structural building blocks. Since 2008 the team has distributed the Meco'press in France and Belgium, and they have recently seen an overwhelming interest from organizations looking to build in developing nations. The ingenious press offers a green building material solution that can function within the constraints of devastated areas.

Perrocheau told Inhabitat that one of his goals is to have the presses operational in Haiti in the near future. Concerns about portability and global shipment are addressed in the lightweight design of the Meco’Press. Because it can be operated with very little training, is easy to maintain, and uses mostly materials from the building site, testing has found that it can be used throughout 80% of the earth. The small percent left out is due to the lack of clay content in the soil.

For full article and more photos go to Inhabitat website

Diving in communities - a blog to follow

2011-01-18T20:12:00.001Z

Another interesting blog to follow...

Ricardo, a portuguese environmental engineer and researcher, has initiated what is expected to be a great journey. He is on his way to Buthan - The Dragon Kingdom, where he will stay for 3 months doing voluntary work for UNDP with local communities.
Ricardo is no stranger to voluntary work with communities, he has recently spent a month in Mozambique where he, along with other voluntaries, helped building a school.
He is one of those very enthusiastic and inspiring people, always ready to get himself involved himself in interesting projects. Surely this journey will be no exception.

Fortunately, he has created a journal-like web blog, where he will describe the day-to-day life during these 3 months of hard, nonetheless exciting, work. I will certainly be a faithful follower!

Here it is: Diving in communities

I wish you the best of luck Ricardo!

Terra 2012 - Call for Abstracts

2011-01-16T10:36:00.000Z

The international community interested in earthen architecture is invited to submit abstracts for the XIth International Conference on the Study and the Conservation of Earthen Architectural Heritage, Terra 2012, which will take place in Lima, Peru on April 2012.

Recently, the world has witnessed an increasing number of natural disasters, many of these affecting earthen architectural heritage. Terra 2012 will emphasize preparedness and response to natural disasters and climate change in relation to earthen architecture.

The abstract must be written in Spanish or English (official conference languages) and should indicate the conference theme under which the proposed paper will be included. The format model is available at the conference webpage: http://congreso.pucp.edu.pe/terra2012/. The abstracts must be submitted before Monday, 28th of February 2011, via email to terra2012@pucp.edu.pe.

For more information click here.